Breaking ties

We're really split on what book we'd like to study next time, and we don't have much time to decide. I'm giving you until Thursday to vote again. I won't vote, then if there is another tie I'll just have to break it. (Don't do that to me!) I need to get them ordered if they aren't available in the book store. Happy New Year to all of you!

What can you give?

As I'm packing to leave for Chicago, I'm thinking about all of you and hope your Christmas time is awesome. I can't give all of you a gift because I don't have the funds--but there is something I can give you. (And you can give it to others, too.)
I give you the gift of prayer. I promise to pray for you throughout the coming year. When you have needs or when you rejoice, I will pray. When you struggle, I will pray.
I hope you will do the same for me.
Let your friends know you give them the gift of prayer--and then do it!
Merry Christmas to you all! (Don't forget the Christmas eve service at 6 p.m. at the church!)

Deanna's Mom

Please put Deanna Cross's mom on your prayer list. Her doctor thinks she has pancreatic cancer. They're doing tests to know for sure. Pray the doctor is wrong. Pray for complete healing. And, pray for Deanna. This is really upsetting to her. Thanks for joining me in praying for a Girlfriend.

Invisible

I borrowed this from my daughter's blog. Many of you have already raised your kids. But, the same principle applies to whatever it is you're doing: teaching Sunday School, hosting a home group, singing with the worship team, greeting people as they come to church, preparing a meal for someone who is sick....and the list goes on.

It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone and ask to be taken to the store. Inside I'm thinking, 'Can't you see I'm on the phone?'Obviously not; no one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all. I'm invisible. The invisible Mom. Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more! Can you fix this? Can you tie this? Can you open this??
Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being. I'm a clock to ask, 'What time is it?' I'm a satellite guide to answer, 'What number is the Disney Channel?' I'm a car to order, 'Right around 5:30, please.'I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated summa cum laude -but now, they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again. She's going, she's going, she's gone!?
One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England . Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was sitting there, looking around at the others all put together so well. It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself. I was feeling pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, 'I brought you this.'
It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe . I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to me until I read her inscription: 'To Charlotte , with admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees.'
In the days ahead I would read - no, devour - the book. And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could pattern my work: No one can say who built the great cathedrals - we have no record of their names. These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished. They made great sacrifices and expected no credit. The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything.
A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, 'Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof, No one will ever see it. And the workman replied, 'Because God sees.
'I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, 'I see you, Charlotte. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does.No act of kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcake you've baked, is too small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can't see right now what it will become.
At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not a disease that is erasing my life. It is the cure for the disease of my own self-centeredness. It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn pride.I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder. As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on. The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree.
When I really think about it, I don't want my son to tell the friend he's bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, 'My Mom gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey for 3 hours and presses all the linens for the table.' That would mean I'd built a shrine or a monument to myself. I just want him to want to come home. And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, to add, 'You're gonna love it here.'
As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we're doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women.
Great Job. The Will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you. This is beautiful and makes a ton of sense. To all the wonderful mothers out there.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~I am in much debt to my invisible Mother..

Looking at New Books

Here is a synopsis of the books to choose from for the study beginning January 7:



Breaking Free: Making Liberty in Christ a Reality In life by Beth Moore. This leads you through a study of the scriptures to discover the transforming power of Christian freedom. Based on Isaiah 61:1-4, this in-depth study draws parallels between the captive Israelites and today's believers. Beth uses scripture to point out the benefits of our relationship with God and shows you how to remove obstacles that hinder that relationship. As you identify spiritual strongholds in your life, you will progress on the journey toward greater freedom in Christ. Cost: $14.95




A Heart Like His: Seeking the Heart of God Through a Study of David by Beth Moore is an 11-week study of King David, focusing on his years as God's chosen king of Israel. Beth invites you to join her on an exciting and intimate journey to know King David, the man after God's own heart. On this journey you will experience the ups and downs of the shepherd king, and you will come to know and love his God in a new way. Cost $14.95



Jesus The One and Only by Beth Moore is an in-depth study of the life of Jesus based on the book of Luke. Come along with Beth on a life-changing journey which will lead you through the hills of Galilee with the Teacher, across the lake with the Master, and finally, on the road toward the cross with the Savior. Get to know Jesus intimately...as though you had walked with Him during His days of earthly ministry. Cost $14.95



To Live is Christ by Beth Moore looks at the life and ministry of Paul. Along the way participants will get to know the "Apostle to the Gentiles" in a new way. You will discover him to be a man who formed many close friendships with both men and women. He served faithfully and loved heartily. This study will challenge and encourage you with a new appreciation of servanthood. Cost: $14.95



Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World by Joanna Weaver is designed to show you how to draw closer to the Lord, deepen devotion, strength service and do both with less stress and greater joy. It shows how women can blend intimacy with Jesus and service for Him. Cost: $13.99



Chocolatherapy by Karen Scalf Linamen. What if, instead of reaching for the chocolate at the end of a long day, women reached for God to satisfy their inner cravings? This book helps women gain a deeper understanding of their emotions and what it is they really enjoy. This is not a workbook. Cost is $12.99

We're going to skip A Woman's Heart for Now. Someone has voted, so I can't change the poll now...but there could be a problem getting workbooks to match the video.

Thankful Thursday

I'm thankful today for ending another good study. We just finished Bad Girls of the Bible, and it was great. Don't know for sure what we'll do beginning in January, but we will know soon.

Some prayer requests to remember from last night:
1. Kerry Fisher--something is causing back in her back and hip area.
2. Michael Chappelear--some problems with pain in his right side. They've been doing tests, but haven't found what it is yet.
3. Charles Allison--Jerry W.'s nephew. He is still in the hospital but has a long way to recover.

Take Some Risks

I read something today that said your live is enriched if you are a risk taker--you'll experience joy, but you'll also experience tears.
We need to step out in faith and do whatever God is leading is today, whether we're thinking about something easy like working with a new ministry at the church, teaching a class, or whatever. Take a risk this week!

Thankful Thursday

Today I'm especially thankful that when it is cold outside I don't have to get up early and go to work! I did it for about 46 years, and I no longer have to. What a blessing that God has provided that for me. What are you thankful for today?

Any Old Idols?

Last night we studied about David's wife Michal. I had never thought much about her. But in the study it is brought out that she put a large household idol in the bed and covered it up to fool Saul's soldiers that it was David in bed ill. I was thinking "What were they doing with a household idol in David's house?" I don't know if he knew she had it, but if it was big enough to substitute for a man's body, I think it would be hard to not know it existed. In Jonah 2:8 it says, "Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs." That made me start thinking about any old traditions I might have that I need to be sure aren't between me and God.
What "grace" are we missing because we're clinging to old traditions for tradition's sake? I'm just praying today that God will show me anything that I need to get rid of in order to be sure I'm serving only Him.

A Special Thankful Thursday

What a day to be thankful! I'm especially thankful for family and the good health of all of us. God has blessed me richly with a family full of Christian children and grandchildren. Hope your day was as good as mine--even better!

Answered Prayer

We've been praying for my niece Glenda. She saw the oncologist and....he thinks the tumor is not malignant. Now, is that just like God or what? He said it is about the size of an orange and not attached to anything. They won't know until they remove it. But he said he would be surprised if it is malignant. Thank you for your prayers.

Thankful Thursday on Friday

Oops! I got busy and didn't do a Thankful Thursday. But there is always something(s) to be thankful for. Today I'm thankful for a circle of girlfriends who are quick to support each other in prayer. What better thing could you do for someone? Pray for each other today.

Prayer Request

Please pray for Marissa D. as she tries to make a decision regarding possibilities about work.

Prayer Request

A manager friend of Michael Chappelear lost his son this weekend. The friend's name is Steve. Steve lost his wife recently, too. The son's funeral is tomorrow. Michael wants us to pray for Steve.

Please Pray....

Here are our prayer requests from this evening's study. Keep these in mind all week when you pray:
1. Virgil and Jimmee's daughter and son-in-law, Cindy and Tommy and family, will be here this weekend to try to purchase a trailer to live in.
2. Dorthy's niece Glenda sees an oncologist Friday at 11 a.m. Pray that there is no malignancy.
3. Virgil has some health problems.
4. Bruce and Meredith Norton have a one and a two-year old living with them that they hope to adopt. Pray things will go smoothly.
5. Joy Elder--new baby.
6. Mary Lou will travel to California December 1. Pray for safe travel.
7. Visitors and absentees.
8. Williams family--personal concerns.

Lucky Dog

A friend sent me this today, and I liked it so much I wanted to share it with you:
Mary and her husband Jim had a dog named 'Lucky.' Lucky was a real character. Whenever Mary and Jim had company come for a weekend visit they would warn their friends to not leave their luggage open because Lucky would help himself to whatever struck his fancy. Inevitably, someone would forget and something would come up missing.
Mary or Jim would go to Lucky's toy box in the basement and there the treasure would be, amid all of Lucky's other favorite toys. Lucky always stashed his finds in his toy box and he was very particular that his toys stay in the box.
It happened that Mary found out she had breast cancer. Something told her she was going to die of this disease....in fact , she was just sure it was fatal. She scheduled the double mastectomy, fear riding her shoulders.
The night before she was to go to the hospital she cuddled with Lucky. A thought struck her...what would happen to Lucky? Although the three-year-old dog liked Jim, he was Mary's dog through and through. If I die, Lucky will be abandoned, Mary thought. He won't understand that I didn't want to leave him. The thought made her sadder than thinking of her own death.
The double mastectomy was harder on Mary than her doctors had anticipated and Mary was hospitalized for over two weeks. Jim took Lucky for his evening walk faithfully, but the little dog just drooped, whining and miserable.
Finally the day came for Mary to leave the hospital. When she arrived home, Mary was so exhausted she couldn't even make it up the steps to her bedroom. Jim made his wife comfortable on the couch and left her to nap. Lucky stood watching Mary but he didn't come to her when she called. It made Mary sad but sleep soon overcame her and she dozed.
When Mary woke for a second she couldn't understand what was wrong. She couldn't move her head and her body felt heavy and hot. But panic soon gave way to laughter when Mary realized the problem. She was covered, literally blanketed, with every treasure Lucky owned! While she had slept, the sorrowing dog had made trip after trip to the basement bringing his beloved mistress all his favorite things in life. He had covered her with his love.
Mary forgot about dying. Instead she and Lucky began living again, walking further and further together every day. It's been 12 years now and Mary is still cancer-free. Lucky? He still steals treasures and stashes them in his toy box but Mary remains his greatest treasure.
Remember....live every day to the fullest. Each minute is a blessing from God. And never forget....the people who make a difference in our lives are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards .They are the ones that care for us.
If you see someone without a smile today give them one of yours! Live simply. Love seriously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God

Holiday cooking

Thanksgiving is just about here and Christmas is sneaking up on us. We all love the time with family and friends. I especially enjoy cooking the meals and finding fun things to share with them. Why don't we share some recipes with each other. Find your favorite recipe and either give it to me at church or email it to me at dorthyharris15@cox.net and I'll post them so we can all share them. Who knows, we might find ourselves a brand new family favorite.

Here is a recipe for a cookie I like, and it is usually Jim's favorite:

Skillet Cookies
1 cup chopped dates
3/4 stick of margarine
2 eggs beaten till foamy
1 cup Rice Krispies
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup chopped nuts
1 package of coconut

Melt margarine in skillet. Add sugar, dates and eggs. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring constantly. When it is cooked, remove from heat, fold in nuts and Rice Krispies and vanilla. Let it cool, then drop it by teaspoons on coconut on was paper. Roll in coconut and set aside to cool on waxed paper.

Enjoy!

Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful for ....

how do you pick just one thing? I am very blessed with family, friends, a church and health.

But, I am especially thankful for the new people who have attended church the last couple of weeks. Pray with me that we might be able to show them how much God loves them and how much we love them. Also pray for God to send us even more people.

Will You Be a Veteran?

Today we celebrate Veteran's Day to honor all the men and women who have served us and our country in armed services. While thinking about that, I believe the ultimate celebration for veterans will be the day Christians will get to enter heaven. If you are a Christian, whether you just became one or have been one for many moons, you're striving to be a "veteran" of the cause of Jesus. We are actually soldiers in the greatest army ever, and we are fighting a cause far more important than our country and its people. We are waging war against Satan and those who serve him. Keep on wearing your uniform (breastplate of righteousness, etc.) proudly and look forward to the time you are honored in Heaven!

Thankful Thursday

Finally, most of the political hype is over, and we have a new president. Whether you're happy with the outcome or not, I am thankful that we live in a country where we can vote the way we want and be fairly sure that our vote is counted! Compared to many, many countries, we have a lot to be thankful for! What are you thankful for today?

Prayer Request

Please pray for my niece, Glenda Davidson. Her primary doctor found a mass on a ovary today. The blood test for cancer showed her level to be 75. Normal is between 1-35. He believes that she probably has ovarian cancer. She now has to see a gynecologist. Pray with me that the test was incorrect and that the mass is benign.

Vote Today

I'd like to encourage everyone to vote today. Voting is a privilege and a responsibility that we need to accept. Pray about your vote and vote your conscience. Read 2 Chronicles 7:14, which basically says if God's people pray He will heal our land.

Unborn Baby

I shared this photo with many of you, but I think it is so impressive I wanted to post it too. A doctor was operating on the 21-week-old fetus because the baby had spina bifada. During the operation, the baby's fist grabbed the doctor's finger and held on. Isn't it amazing. God's creation is beautiful everywhere we look. (Hope the photo doesn't gross anyone out--focus on the little fist and the doctor's hand.)

Pray for Post Cards

Ken and I just finished labeling and stamping over 300 post cards to kids telling them about Friday night's Harvest Festival. Please pray with us that:
1. Cards will be delivered no later than Thursday.
2. Parents will see them and respond.
3. Children will see them and ask to come.
4. That we'll be ready to offer them a great fun evening as well as lots of God's love!

Push Your Friends

I found this quote from Barbara Johnson: "Insomuch as anyone pushes you nearer to God, he or she is your friend."
It made me think "How much of a friend am I?" Do I push people closer to God, farther from God, or do I let them just stand still? Hopefully, I push them closer. But if I want to be a real friend, I wouldn't have to say "hopefully". I could say that I do if I really worked at it. So, this week I'm going to try to push people closer to God and be a real friend. Will you join me?

Thankful Thursday

Today I'm especially thankful that the Bible gives us example after example of how we should do things and how God will enable us to do them. For the third week in a row, we studied a woman who needed God's assistance. Fortunately, the woman at the well was welling to accept God and change.
Are you ready to change to do whatever God needs you to do? Keep your heart open, read your Bible, and pray without ceasing. God will let you know what you need to do and empower you to complete the task.

Bible Study Wednesday

It's been two weeks since we met, and I am missing it. Just wanted to remind everybody where we pick up this week. We're study the another no-namer this week, The Woman at the Well. Be there at 6:30 for a great study.

Vicki R.

Just want you to know that Vicki got to go home from the hospital today. B. said she is getting around well, which is very good news. Keep both of them in your prayers as she continues to heal.

Thankful Thursday

Among many other things, today I am thankful that God created seasons. I am loving this fall weather and both the color and cool weather that comes with it.

I also have a couple of prayer requests:
1. Pray for Vicki R. They took xrays of her hip on Tuesday and the doctor had ordered bed rest. I'm going to see her later today and see if they have told her anything.
2. Pray for B. Yesterday he had a massive migrane headache and his back was hurting him really bad.
So I lied, make it 3:
3. Pray for Josh. He is only getting to work 3-4 nights at week at the restaurant. He's still doing catering deliveries for Boston Market when he can. He is applying for a box office job at the theater where he is interning. Just pray that God works out finances for him.
Have a super day!

Fall Break

Hey Girlfriends. Just want to remind everyone that there is no class Wednesday night. Awana is on Fall Break with the schools, and some of you have kids, so we elected not to have class tomorrow night. See you Wednesday the 22. Have a great week!

The gift of children

Our Awana Clubbers bowled me over yesterday. They did an awesome job singing. Awana takes a lot of people and a lot of commitment, but training our kids is something God commands, and taking it very seriously is important. So I want to tell all of you who take time to work with our kids that you're doing a great job! Keep working and keep praying.

Thankful Thursday

Today I'm thankful for our youth pastor Nathan and his family. I know we had a special day for them Sunday, but maybe it could be a week. Our teens love both of them, and they are good examples for them. We need to keep Nathan and Chasity and their kids in our prayers every day. Remember our teens, too, because they face a lot at school daily.

Another Prayer Request

Evelyn H. wants us to remember her friend's dad who has cancer. He has been told he doesn't have very long to live. Please pray for the Smith family.

Prayer Requests

Here are a couple of special requests you can pray about:

First, Vicki Rainwater came through her hip replacement surgery well. But she is in lots of pain. She did not rest at all last night, but was sleeping this afternoon. Pray that she will get some more sleep.

Second, Meredith Norton had surgery on her wrist this morning. They thought it was totally shattered, but they were able to put it back together. Pray that she will mend quickly and have more movement than they originally thought she would be able to have.

Thanks.

Answered Prayer

This is one of those good news, bad news things. You probably all know that Raymond and Paula have new jobs in Wichita, KS. We don't want them to go, but want the best thing for them. But, the good news is that their house has already sold! They close the end of this month. And, that is a definite answer to prayer for them.

Pray for the Rainwater family

Please pray for B. Rainwater's family in Talihina, and for B. and Vicki. B's nephew (26) died in a car wreck overnight. Remember the family and especially his parents.

Thankful Thursday

Today I have several things I'm thankful for. We had a great lesson last night--thanks to all of you who came and to those who spoke up. I am thankful that God hears and answers prayers: Josh got a job in Chicago! I am thankful that doctors know how to handle burns. I have had virtually NO pain since I burned myself pretty badly. Isn't God great!
What are you thankful for today?
P.S. For the record: the majority of us would rather overdose on cookies!

How are We Living?

I just came from Wal-Mart, my least favorite place. But I came away doing some serious thinking.
A 20-something young women was face-down on the floor in the bakery area. She had evidently collapsed, and Mustang Fire and Rescue men were working with her. A deli employee held her 3-4 year old daughter. She was just shopping, and suddenly.... She was alive and they were taking her to an emergency room.
But it made me pray and think. I know I could die at any time. But do I live like I know it. If this is the last day I have to tell people about Jesus, am I doing it? If I die today, will I have made an impression with the way I lived me life?
The Bible tells us to go and tell the good news. Do we live like we have good news?
Kind of a somber post, I know, but I really need to make sure people I come in contact with know that I serve Jesus. How about you?

What if...?

Thanks to my son-in-law Jeff for this post I took from his blog.

We say we have faith, but live as if the opposite is true. But what if our lives matched our "beliefs"? How would your life look different?
What if we prayed like we really believed God was listening and would answer?
What if we read our Bibles expecting to hear a Word from God?
What if we actually believed the second coming was imminent?
What if we shared Jesus with others believing that He really can change lives?
What if our faith and trust in God's provision was bigger than our checkbook balance?
What if we started seeing ourselves as disciples and not JUST Christians?
What if we stopped trying to help our kids get to graduation day, and started discipling our families?
What if our hearts were broken for "the least of these" instead annoyed?
What if we stopped having discussions about social justice and actually got up off our butts and helped someone?
What if we honestly believed our sins are forgiven and forgotten by God?
What if we stopped trying to make the Bible match our theology and started making our theology match the Bible?
What if we loved each other enough to risk losing the relationship by lovingly pointing out sinfulness?
What if stopped slamming the door of "ministry" shut on broken, sinful people and instead, put our arms around them and helped them heal their souls so they can be effective in ministry?
What if we didn't care if people knew the #1 priority in our lives was Jesus Christ?
What if...?

Maybe if we began practicing some of these "what ifs" it would cause others to do the same. Wouldn't that be amazing?

Thankful Thursday

Today I'm thankful for my daughter-in-law. It is her birthday and it makes me realize how much our family relies on her. I'm thankful she is a great helper to my pastor son, and very thankful that she is raising my grandkids the way she is. God gives us lots of blessing throughout our lives, but if our kids and grandkids serve the Lord, the other things just kind of don't matter so much. Thank you Kim. What are you thankful for today?

PS: We unanimously prefer to wear stud earrings!

Bad Girls of the Bible

Hey Girlfriends! Hope you are all ready to begin Bad Girls of the Bible tomorrow night. If you haven't got a lesson yet, come anyway. You'll enjoy the conversation and fellowship. I hope to see all of you there at 6:30 p.m.

Congratulations, Marsha!

One of our very own girlfriends, Marsha B., won the Hula Hoop competition at the Volunteer Appreciation Luau last night. Way to go Marsha, even if you had to hoop around your neck. You do us proud!

Thankful Thursday

Good morning. Today I am thankful for good doctors that make life better for people. My brother had a stint put in yesterday and he is up and around today, feeling good. In my lifetime, medical procedures have become almost miracles. God is good to let doctors realize and learn what they can do to help us. What are you thankful for?

Asking for More Trouble

Just one last post on the tongue before we end Conversation peace Wednesday night. I'm in too much trouble with my tongue all in one piece. If it were split down the middle with a zipper, I'd have twice the tongues to control. No thanks, I'll just stick with one.

The Front Fell Off

Just for fun, take a look at this senator from Australia who was interviewed on TV after a tanker dumped oil near Australia. Politicians, I guess, can be the same everywhere. A friend from Texas sent me this today.

Making It Easier!!

Found this picture today and decided it might be cheating, but possibly my "conversation peace" would be easier to achieve if I literally did hold my tongue! I know that's not what we've studied, but I struggle with "holding my tongue" sometimes. How about you? (Thanks to Joe W. for the pic I borrowed from his church's web site!)

Chocolate Temptation!

I received this recipe from an old friend today! It sounded like fun but I haven't tried it. Thought you guys might like it, too.

5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE
4 tablespoons cake flour(that's plain flour, not self-rising)
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons baking cocoa
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips
(optional) a small splash of vanilla essence
1 coffee mug
Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well Add the egg and mix thoroughly.Pour in the milk and oil and mix well.Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla essence, and mix again.Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts.The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed!Allow to cool a little,and tip out onto a plate if desired.
EAT! (this can serve 2 if you want to feel slightly more virtuous).
And why is this the most dangerous cake recipe in the world? Because now we are all only 5 minutes away from chocolate cake at any time of the day or night!
If you try it, let me know! And if you have a good easy recipe to share, send it to me!

Roxanne needs a job

Please join me in praying for Roxanne G. She is currently unemployed and looking for work. She is her sole provider, so it is essential she finds something quickly. I told her we would join together and pray, and I was sure she'd get job offers. Don't let her down. Pray NOW!

Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful for a new person in our Bible Study group--welcome Jennifer!
I'm also thankful for the two people who come all the time--Judy and Donna.
If you weren't there last night, you were really missed. Hope you all have a great day.

Bad Girls of the Bible

Bad Girls are the winners this time! But only in book titles. Our poll showed that a majority of us want to study Bad Girls of the Bible by Liz Curtis Higgs for our next book. So we will begin it on Wednesday, Sept. 24. We have one more lesson in Conversation Peace, then a concluding lesson where we'll go over the highlights of what we have been studying. Then we will begin looking at the bad girls of the Bible to see what we can learn about how NOT to do things. Hope you're ready!

Thankful Thursday

What are you thankful for today? I'm thankful that God promises to answer our prayers. Several things our Girlfriends have prayed about in the last few months have been answered positively. Some of you have new jobs. Some have had good doctor reports, and so on.

Thought for the Day

In Psalm 145:14, the Bible says that the Lord lifts the fallen and those who are bent under their loads. That's a very comforting and encouraging thought. How do you handle things during not-so-good situations? Do you make them worse or do you try to add a hint of joy to them? Do you follow what the Psalm says and try to encourage people who have a heavy load? That's what we're trying to do in Conversation peace. Hope you'll try it with us.

Take Time for Some Fun

What do you do for fun with your friends? I'm not one who takes enough time to stop and just have fun. I will Thursday night, though, when some of us see "Annie Get Your Gun" at the Jewel Box. Tell us what you like to do just for fun! Maybe you river raft like the photo! Maybe you scrapbook (I need to learn to do that). What is it?

Thankful Thursday

This morning I'm thankful for several things, but the one that is sticking in my mind the most is that we have a great Outreach and Education team at church. Everyone on the team put in a lot of effort to make sure everything was completed in time for the Back to School Bash. No one can do something that big without help. Plus, thanks to the many of the people at church came and helped Saturday night. It is great to have a church made up of people who care and are willing to put that care into action. So thanks everyone, but especially thanks Faye, Robyn, Wayne, Virgil and Pastor Jim.

What Next?

It's that time again. We have to pick our next book to study. Some of these were choices last time, but one is a new book by Mary Kassian, the author we're studying now. Take time to vote in the poll at the top right. Here are your choices.


Bad Girls of the Bible by Liz Curtis Higgs. Women everywhere marvel at those “good girls” in Scripture–Sarah, Mary, Esther–but on most days, that’s not who they see when they look in the mirror. Most women (if they’re honest) see the selfishness of Sapphira or the deception of Delilah. They catch of glimpse of Jezebel’s take-charge pride or Eve’s disastrous disobedience. Like Bathsheba, Herodias, and the rest, today’s modern woman is surrounded by temptations, exhausted by the demands of daily living, and burdened by her own desires.So what’s a good girl to do? Learn from their lives, says beloved humor writer Liz Curtis Higgs, and by God’s grace, choose a better path. In Bad Girls of the Bible, Higgs offers a unique and clear-sighted approach to understanding those “other women” in Scripture, combining a contemporary retelling of their stories with a solid, verse-by-verse study of their mistakes and what lessons women today can learn from them.
$10.75

Victoriously Frazzled by Cindi Wood - This continuation of The Frazzled Female will help any worn out, burned out, and stressed out woman understand the Spirit God has given her. The goal is to lead women into the presence of God—right in the midst of their “frazzledness.” By doing so, women will gradually pull back from confusion and doubt, from fear and self, and allow God’s Spirit to have His way in their lives.
$9.95


Living Your Life as a Beautiful Offering by Angela Thomas - How can an imperfect life with blemishes and scars reflect back to God a true gratefulness for His love? Jesus knows you are not perfect, but He also knows that you are made perfect in Him, if only you will come and surrender to Him daily. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gives us His compassionate instruction for everyday living and then wraps His teaching with the promise of His blessing. “Jesus wants us to learn to live in a way that reflects the kingdom of God to the world, to live as a woman with a kingdom heart.” $10..95

Knowing God by Name - A Personal Encounter” by Mary Kassian.
God knows your name. Do you know HIS? God is too big, too magnificent for a single name. Consider this: the God whose many names include Creator, Provider, Ruler, and Redeemer wants you to know Him more intimately. Mary Kassian’s new study Knowing God by Name examines dozens and dozens of names of God. This is much more than a Bible study - it’s a personal encounter with an awesome God.
Do you want to know God better? You will, when you get to know him by name! $11.99

What a weekend!

Thanks to everyone's prayers and the work of God, our Back to School Bash was very successful. On Saturday evening at the park, there were more than 100 kids, plus their parents. I counted 100 kids sitting under the pavillion watching the Combat Team. There were others around in the grass, on the playground, etc. And (drum roll, please) less than 25 of those were our regular kids. So more than 75 kids we didn't know heard about God Saturday night and had an evening of great fun. Their parents heard, too.

Then Sunday morning there was one mother and boy from Saturday night who came to Sunday School and church. And, our own people came and supported. There were about 160 people there! Remember to tell God how awesome He is for helping us touch those people's lives and introduce them to God.

Plus...thank you for praying.

Back to School Bash

Be praying without ceasing for the next 48 hours for the events surrounding our Back 2 School Bash. The Combat Team performed for Valley and Centennial Elementaries today and were absolutely awesome. The kids loved them. And the team invited them all to come see much more tomorrow evening at 5 at Wild Horse Park. Pray they will come. Pray for the team as they perform so they will not be injured. But more importantly, pray that their message of salvation will reach children and adults! Then pray for Sunday morning. We need the people who come Saturday night to come back Sunday...and more to be saved. PRAY.

Also pray for Wayne and Judy as they travel to Michigan to be with their daughter next week. Pray for safe travel for them. Pray for their daughter-in-law Meredith's uncle who is near death and not saved.

Pray for each other.

Double Thursday

Today I'm thankful for Double Thursday at Incredible Pizza. I didn't know it existed until I went in to get a $50 gift card as a prize drawing for the Back 2 School Bash. But because of Double Thursday, the $50 turned into a $100 gift card to give to some lucky child!!

And from Faye...

"I am thankful for all your prayers for the food pantry - Pastor Jim had to tell two people yesterday that we had no food for them. This morning someone made a really amazing donation and WE NOW HAVE 5 BOXES OF FOOD!!! God is so good - He answers prayers, touches hearts to give and help others, and gives us the gift of seeing His grace and awesome power. I am so humbly thankful for His infinite wisdom in using us at the right time and in the right way. I am also thankful for each and everyone of you - please say a prayer tonight for the person who so selflessly gave today - that God may bless them always. "

What are you thankful for today?

Pray for Donna C.

Donna will begin a another series of shots in her neck tomorrow at noon. Pray for her during the procedure, but also pray that the shots will give you relief from the pain in her neck. Remember we prayed about this last week and she didn't think she would get to have them for another month or so. But she is getting the first one this week. God answers prayer.

The P-48 Test

In her book, Mary Kassian offers a P-48 Test to make sure we are sowing God's seed or and not other seed. She says Philipians 4:8 provides a filter we can use to judge whether or not the seed is from him. It tests the goodness of your thoughts, believes and words. She suggests that we read that verse, then put our thoughts, believes and words to the Preplant Test.
"P URE: Do I have the right heart motivation? Are my motives pure? Are my thoughts and words holy?
R IGHT: Is this proper and appropriate? Is it in conformity with God's standards and principles? Does it build?
E XCELLENT: Is this of the highest quality? Is it the best--and not just adequate?
P RAISEWORTHY: Is It commendable? Am I proud of the way I am thinking/speaking? More importantly, is God proud of me?
L OVELY: Does it Have a beauty that appeals to the heart? Does it mirror the bgeauty and gentleness of Jesus?
A DMIRABLE: Is it worth of being respected and admired? Would others recommend it?
N OBLE: Is it of the highest moral character and superior quality? Is it great and magnificent? Does it demonstrate my position as a child of the King?
T RUE: Is it free of deceit? Does it agree with the Bible's evaluation of the situation? Does it submit to truth?"

Tell Me What You Think

This?

Or This?

I have narrowed it down to two choices on how I can keep from saying sarcastic things. I can put a zipper on my mouth or I can stick safety pins through my lips. However, I am a little worried that there is some room for movement with the pins. I think I could still utter a few things. But on the other hand, I would have to restrain myself to keep from unzipping the zipper. So, maybe neither way would really work. Do you have a better idea?

Thankful Thursday

Today I'm very thankful for our Girlfriends Bible Study. Last night was an awesome session. Everyone really got into the discussions and I learned a lot from all of you. I appreciate every one of you who take the time to study and then the time to come and participate. I believe God is blessing our group and you are all the reason for that. Thanks to everyone of you for blessing my life.

Pointy Toe Results

Five of you voted on the Pointy Toe Pumps poll. Two of you already have a pair of them and wear them. Bravo for you! But, three of us said "Never in a million years." Personally, I don't want to break an arm or leg, or even my neck, if I wore them and fell. Thanks for participating.

Test Your Soil

Hopefully you've been doing each lesson this week. Have you tested your soil yet? Do you know what kind of soil your heart has? If you have a hard heart, ask God to plow the hardness and soften your heart to be transformed by his Word. If you have a rocky soil heart, count the cost of following Christ and ask God to plow deeper and make your faith real and fruitful. If you have a thorny soil heart, repent from letting the distractions in life keep you from keeping your conversation right. I'm thinking that studying His word at least five days a week like we are in this book, will help us to keep our soil plowed. Prayer will also help. So keep studying his word and praying. Let's get our hearts to the point that our hearts will let our conversations show love and respect.

What's In Your Heart?

Okay. Today's lesson really stabbed me. I know that what I say reflects my attitude and thoughts. But I had not stopped to really consider the part about what I say comes from what is in my heart. I have some repenting to do. I hope somebody else in Girlfriends feels the same way I do, cause I hate being the only one so stepped on! Help me work on me. Pray that I will think more about what my words are doing before I utter them. I'm thinking of the "What's in Your Wallet?" commercials. Change it to What's in Your Heart? Examine your heart and join me in praying that our hearts will be pure and obedient to God.

Thankful Thursday

What am I thankful for today? Well, it's a material thing and I know we should probably be more spiritual than that. But simply put I am very thankful for air conditioning in my home with the 100 + temperatures! I spent time as a child in homes without ac and didn't have a real problem. But, we are so pampered in today's world, that I would hate to live without it. What are you thankful for? Click on comments below and add your note. Have a good Thursday.

Pray for Tomorrow Night

We have our first session on Conversation peace tomorrow night. Let's pray all day tomorrow that we will let God lead us in this study and make a difference in our lives. OK? See you tomorrow night at 6:20

Pointy Toe Pumps

They're back. Pointy Toe Pumps is what they're calling them now. But I can remember wearing them in high school and college, even some after that. Are we really ready to trade in our flip flops for these six-inch pencil-thin heels with the sharp point on the toe? I'm afraid I'd have to have an extra clause on my health insurance policy to cover the broken bones I'd have today if I tried to wear them. How about you? Will you get a pair? Do you already have a pair? Vote in this week's poll and let us know what you'll probably do.

Begin Conversation Peace

Hey Girlfriends! I didn't say anything when you picked up books last night, but go ahead and be doing the first week in it. It is similar to what we've been doing. Be ready to discuss the activities when we meet next week.

Training for Princesses

Remember how we talked last week about we are children of the King, so we are Princesses? Well, as heavenly royalty-in-training here on earth, our number one job is to spread His love. How are you doing with your training? Usually, I do the love thing pretty easily, but ever once in a while, I think I trip on my princess robe. Pray for me that I won't trip, but that instead I'll show His love all the time. In fact, let's all pray for each other.

Thankful Thursday

I've seen several women's groups that have "Thankful Thursdays" where they all stop to think of something they are thankful for. I think it would be good for us to do that. So I'll start. You can add your thankful item by clicking on comments and typing in what you think. Or if you can't figure it out, e-mail me and I'll make your comment for you. Remember we'll be doing this every Thursday.

I am thankful for the great response we have had to our Girlfriends study. I know a lot of you don't really have extra time, but you are taking it to try to do some things that God asks of us. So, if you're a Girlfriend, I'm thankful for you!

Conversation Peace Wins Out

You voted, and the results are in. Between the votes online and those in class, Conversation Peace had 12 votes. So, we will begin studying how to make our conversations reflect what God wants, based on the Bible. The new study will begin Wednesday, August 6.

For those of you you will be working with AWANA Clubs when they kickoff, we will have our own study if there is enough interest. Be thinking of a night you'd like to do that--or a morning in the week. We'll do whatever gets the most people available.

Begin praying now for our study. We want to be girlfriends who honor God in everything we do, especially in our conversations.

The Juggling Act

Thanks to my daughter Jamie for this post. I "borrowed" it for this blog.

Have you ever felt like your life was a juggling act? You're doing it ALL - wearing a million hats and trying to please everyone from your family, to your boss, to your pastor, to your friends... it never ends! All the while, you're a super woman! You can't let anyone know this is difficult or that you're struggling. What would they think? What if someone knew my marriage was in jeopardy? What would they think if they had any clue how horrible I am at being a mom while working full time? I've felt all those things and a hundred more. It prompted me to write this poem a few years back. My prayer is that it will help you see GOD'S TRUTH in the midst of satan's lies.

The Juggling Act

Balls in the air moving around
One goes up another comes down
They move with grace in utter perfection
How does she keep that perfect formation?

Just one woman, only one
She cooks and cleans, the laundry is done
The house is tidy all the time
Her bed sheets tight, could bounce a dime

Awards for baking, planting, creating
A star employee, legend in making
How does she do it, one hat, then another?
How many can she wear, yet keep it together?

Inside she cries, her heart torn in two
If all the admirers only knew
Too many plates to keep them all spinning
Pressed by desire to show that she's winning

Can't keep up this crazy facade
Confusion and hurt, this path that's been trod
Desire to please everyone she's around
Produces a fear and weighs her soul down

Wearing a mask of perfection and pride
A gentle reminder, whispers inside
The voice of her Father speaks to her soul
"Let go of your need to always control"

Her value and worth, found only in Him
Not in the number of plates she can spin
Not the formation of balls in the air
Nor in rewards her perfection will bare

So as you look at achievement to guide
Remember all stories have two equal sides
No need to feel that your image is bound
In wrong expectations of others around

Our only fulfillment, a result of His blood
His grace and His mercy have washed out the mud
Our one true identity, in Christ is found
Forgiveness and love that always surrounds

Search Me, O God

"Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the everlasting way." (Ps. 139:23-24)

Are you willing for God to search your heart and reveal to you any areas that are creating a barrier in your relationship with Him? Try it. You'll feel better knowing you're where you need to be.

Empowered By God

I just read a quote from Suzanne Farnham. It says, "God often calls us to do things that we do not have the ability to do. Spiritual discernment is knowing if God calls you to do something, God empowers you to do it." What's He calling you to do that you're worried about trying? Don't worry about it. Instead say "Yes" and let God do His thing in your life.

Taking Care of Your "House"

Headaches? Backaches? Neck Tension? Depressed? Exhausted?

If you say yes to any of those things, you can pretty much bet you're not taking care of yourself. If your lifestyle is stretched to the maximum, physical symptoms can be common to you. I know, you don't know where you'll get the time to change anything.
Your body belongs to God, but He lets you take care of it on this earth. If you don't take care of it, absolutely no one else can. Either you honor God with what He gave you, or you continue to live in stress. So maybe if we look at taking care of ourselves as honoring God, we will be more likely to do it.
In "The Frazzled Female" Cindi Wood says there are four areas we need to work on...eating, sleeping, exercising, and relaxing. I have two of those down pretty well. But is 50% really honoring God. I Corinthians 6:20 says we need to glorify God in our body. That is a statement, not a suggestion. And as Cindi says, "when you have time" is not dangling at the end of the statement.
I hope you'll join me in working on the areas you need help improving. I eat and sleep like a champion. I don't exercise and I don't really relax. I'm making a commitment to start doing both. If you need to take better care of yourself, join me:).

Last Night

Thanks girlfriends for opening up and sharing with us last night. Here are the requests from the evening:
1. Virgil's brother James was having chest pains and at the Yukon hospital.
2. DeAnna's boss in ICU with several problems.
3. DeAnna's nephew Cody had a bad cystic fibrosis exam.
4. Virgil's sister Ima that doctors could find a way to prevent her migraines.
5. Nathan and Chasity--family moving in with them temporarily
6. Shannon's Dad--heart issues.
7. Shannon--unspoken.
8. Frank F. that doctors would find out why he can't walk.
9. Praise--Tommy and Cindy building a home.
10. Unspoken--Marsha
11. Paula will take insurance exam on the 29th.
12. Unspoken praise--Sue
13. Kyla and kids traveling to Frederick
Check these often, or print them out, and remember them daily.

Which Book Do You Like?

We're coming to the end of our "Frazzled Female" workbook, so we need to discover what we'd like to study next time. We passed out a flyer with these books on it Wednesday night. Look them over, them vote on which one you think you'd most enjoy by voting in the poll on the upper right column.


Bad Girls of the Bible by Liz Curtis

Women marvel at those "good girls" in Scripture--Sarah, Mary, Esther--but on most days, that's not what they see when they look in the mirror. If they're honest, women see the selfishness of Sapphira or the deception of Delilah. They catch a glimpse of Jezebel's take-charge pride or Eve's disastrous disobedience. Like Bathsheba, Herodias and the rest, today's woman is surrounded by temptations, exhausted by demands of daily living and burdened by her own desires. So what's a good girl to do? Learn from their lives say humor writer Liz Curtis Higgs, and by God's grace, choose a better path. ($10.75)

Victoriously Frazzled by Cindi Wood

This continuation of "The Frazzled Female" will help any worn out, burned out and stressed out woman understand the Spirit God has given her. The goal is to lead women into the presence of God--right in the midst of their "frazzledness." By doing so, women will gradually pull back from confusion and doubt, from fear and self, and allow God's Spirit to have His way in their lives. ($9.95)

Living Your Life as a Beautiful Offering by Angela Thomas
How can an imperfect life with blemishes and scars reflect back to God a true gratefulness for His love? Jesus know you are not perfect but He also knows that you are made perfect in Him. If only you will come and surrender to him daily. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus give us His compassionate instruction for everyday living and then wraps His teaching with the promise of His blessing. "Jesus wants us to learn to live in a way that reflects the kingdom of God to the world, to live as a woman with a kingdom heart." ($10.95)


Conversation Peace by Mary Kassian
Here's a women's study that really hits home. Mary Kassian masterfully presents the biblical principles to help women revolutionize their speech habits and improve their relationships by focusing on ways to positively avoid sharing gossip, throwing negative barbs, or snapping sarcastic replies throughout everyday life. ($11.95)

Showing Love

When we give our lives to Jesus, we know we can look forward to Heaven. In fact, Jesus is saving a place just for us.
But, while we're here on earth, we're seldom treated that special. In fact, there are times we feel left out, mistreated, stepped on, unwanted and overlooked. So what do we do about it? Yell? Scream? Throw a fit? Tell people off? When we're really frazzled we at least want to do all those things.
Cindi Wood offers five strategies to keep you from doing those things when you need to focus on the fact that you'll be with Jesus someday instead of feeling stress. Here they are:
1. Make It Not Matter: When people do things that hurt you, ask God to not let it matter to you. You may not get immediate release, but He will help you.
2. Walk Away Before You Blow Up: If you feel like your fuse is being lit, remove yourself from the situation. End the phone conversation. Walk away from someone. It will take determination, but you can do it. After you calm down, talk to the Lord about it before you speak.
3. Breathe Deeply: Take several deep breaths when you begin to feel uncomfortable. Blood and oxygen will flow to your brain and you will think more clearly. You need to think before you speak.
4. Deal with Your Negative Attitude Quickly: Don't let a negative attitude find a home in your heart or mind. Replace negative thoughts with scripture or pleasant thoughts.
5. If You Are Wrong, Admit It Quickly: Admitting you're wrong shows your willingness to act like a Christian. It lets you model the compassion and forgiving nature of God.
Does being with Jesus for all eternity offer you enough pleasure to let these things happen?

It Depends On Me!

In Romans 12:3-5, 10 Paul told the church in Rome that we need to show affection to one another with brotherly love. In fact, he said "Outdo one another in showing honor." But, if we're honest, reaching out with the love of Christ is sometimes a major challenge because we're all different and differences can breed conflict. Many conflicts could be avoided if we just stepped back, counted to 10 (or 3 or 4) and conceded our right to be right. Getting rid of self is not an easy process. It takes constant work. Cindy Wood says that "when I become preoccupied with my way, my feelings, my rights, then my energy is drained and my peace slips away. But when I make a conscious and deliberate choice to put me out of the way, then I can more easily turn the situation over to Jesus and let him handle it."

When you are a bundle of nerves and you feel your "self feelings" are justified, it is hard to get rid of self. Cindy says to remember that by giving up yourself, you are in no way justifying another person's behavior. You're just following scripture that says to "bless those who persecute you...if possible, live at peace with everyone."

Is there someone in your life, your neighborhood, your church family or anywhere that could use a little appreciation and kindness? Try not to let them get you angry or frazzled. Instead, try to show them God's love. In the process you'll feel less frazzled and more loveable yourself.

Prayer Requests

Great meeting tonight, as usual. Thanks to everyone for your input and participation. Here are the prayer requests you need to remember as you pray this week:
1. Young sister of one of Rachel H.'s teammates who has a high fever and is in the hospital. Doctors are unsure what is wrong.
2. Deanna C.'s nephews--15 and 19--moved to Dallas this week. Pray for them.
3. Jessie Mendoza--back surgery tomorrow.
4. DeeAnn S.'s brother Jimmy Fleming who had a heart attack on Sunday. He had a stint put in.
5. Kerry's boss and his family.
6. Randall Harris--Ken's cousin--that doctors could isolate what his problems are and be able to fix them.
7. Paula T. as she takes her life insurance exam on the 18.
8. Vicki R.'s health
9. several unspoken

Time! Time! Where Are You?

There never seems to be enough time to do all the things we have to plus some things we'd just like to do. In fact, there is frequently not enough time to do all the things we need to. In her hardback book The Frazzled Woman, Cindi Wood talks about a verse that we usually associate with money. In Mal. 3:10 the Bible says "Bring the full 10 percent into the storehouse so that there may be food in My house. Test me in this way, says the Lord of Hosts. See if I will not open the floodgates of heaven and pour out a blessing for you without measure." She suggests we apply this verse to our time also. That means the Bible is saying that if we spend time with him every day, he will open the floodgates of heaven and pour out blessings in our lives. God desires a relationship with us and daily communication with us. When you give Him some of the time you think you don't have, He will shower you with love, peace and joy. He can take your time and multiply it with His blessings. No, there won't be more than 24 hours in your day. But it will seem like it. It's sort of like starting to actually give 10% of your income to God. At first, we say that there is nothing left after we pay the bills, buy food and gas. But when we give the 10% to God FIRST, He finds ways to let us pays the bills and eat. Give Him time and He will take care of you. We cannot outgive God with our money or our time.

Celebrate Eternally

It's July 4th and we're all taking time to celebrate the freedom of the U.S. We are blessed to live in a country where we have the freedom to celebrate as well as the freedom to worship God in the way He wants us to. We take a full day each year to celebrate our country. But how often do we stop and celebrate the freedom God gives us through his son's death on the cross. We are free indeed, and if we continue in our faith, we will be eternally. That should be much more of a reason to celebrate continually. If we have time to celebrate, spend with friends, cookout, pop fireworks, etc., we have time to spend with Jesus. Take some time today to let Him know you are thankful he has given you freedom.

Prayer Requests

Great session tonight, ladies. Thanks to all of you for your input. Here are the requests from tonight...please pray for these daily.
1. Traci Owens' family as they have the funeral for her aunt Tammy Thursday morning.
2. Marvin and Marissa Davis need their house to sell.
3. Maddy Davis health issues.
4. Becky and Ryan Vandenburg (Chasity's sister) as they start a new church in ElDorado Kansas.
5. PTL for Marsha getting better. She is approved to drive again.
6. DeAnna Cross--hopes to be in our study next week.
7. Sue's cousin Frank Fountain--as he goes to Scott and White Clinic in Texas to determine why he can't walk.
8. Back to School Bash.
9. Marie Schorsack having outpatient surgery Thursday a.m.
10. Several unspoken requests.

A Positive Attitude

Did you do the mini-retreat from John this weekend? I didn't get it done until today, but it was pretty awesome. Basically, if Abraham could have a good attitude when asked to move away, leave his family, go somewhere unknown, if Jesus could have a good attitude knowing that He was going to be crucified for us, it shouldn't take much for us to have a good attitude. I fall pretty short of a good attitude part of the time. How about you? Let's all pray for each other's attitudes.

Traci's Aunt

Traci's Aunt Tammy Johnson died Saturday at 1:30 following the motorcycle accident. Her funeral is Thursday at 11 a.m. at Chapel Hill Funeral Home off NW Expressway and across the street from Bailey Honda. Remember Traci and Aaron and all of their family.

Freedom Celebration

Don't forget we have the church-wide Freedom Celebration at our home tomorrow evening. Come at 5 (or earlier). We'll eat at 6 p.m. We'll have volleyball, croquet, cards, horseshoes and water for the kids to play in. Plus we'll have a good time of fellowship and encouragement for each other. (Remember last week's sermon?) Topping the whole thing off will be fireworks at dark. Come even if you can only stay for a while. We'll have a great time.

Pray for Traci's aunt

We just received notice that Traci O's aunt (her mother's sister) was in a motorcycle accident in Tulsa. She is in ICU with head trauma and it doesn't look too good. Please pray for Tammy. Pray that God would let her heal and be okay. Pray for Traci, Aaron and their family too that they could provide the spiritual support the family needs.

Pray for Camp

I'll leave in the morning to cook for camp for the children's camp. Pray for safe travel for all of us there and on our return on Friday. Try to remember the kids every day. Pray that they will have a great time and will get a boost for their faith. Pray for the sponsors to get sleep and not be "frazzled". Pray for Mary and me as we cook. See you Friday.

#1 Song When You Were Born

What was the music like when you were born? Elvis, the Beetles, or are you an 80's baby born when Duran Duran or Brian Adams topped the charts? Click this link and you can find out what song, by which artist, was #1 on the day you were born. It only takes a second and it's really kind of fun!http://www.joshhosler.biz/NumberOneInHistory/SelectMonth.htm

I'd never heard of mine, it's "I'll Get By As Long As I have You" by Harry James.

Marsha is Home

Marsha got to go home from the hospital today. She is tired and still having some bleeding. Please pray for her that the bleeding stops and she will be able to be up and around again soon.

Already Stressed

If you are like me, you're already stressed by lesson one. I am a Martha. I keep busy doing all the little things that I assume MUST be done and don't do the important things for my relationship with Jesus. I've always known it, but this lesson just points it out more. I hope you are all Marys. I am going to strive to be more Mary and less Martha. Pray for me, will you?

Thought I'd share Maxine's way to solve stress with you. I'm not a hot tea drinker, but I think coffee would work. If you don't drink either hot drink, perhaps an iced tea would be just as effective. LOL.

Prayer Requests

Here are tonight's prayer requests. Please check these daily and pray for them.
1. Marsha. Pray the bleeding quits and she gets to leave the hospital.
2. Jimmee's sisters: Tina is going to Sherman, Texas to see if doctors can determine what is wrong with her. Jan found a lump in a breast.
3. Mark and Brenda Cole: Returned today from Mexico and have to go back Sunday. Pray for Mark's health and strength for both of them.
4. Traci's family and her father: Kelli McKim
5. DeeAnn is having a tooth cut out Friday at 9 a.m. She is also taking a test tomorrow at work.
6. Braudrick's will be out of town with Nathan's family this weekend. Pray for salvation for Nathan's father.
7. Virgil got overheated at work today. Pray for his physical strength to handle hot weather.
8. Camp next week. Pray that our children will have a fun week but one of spiritual renewal, too.

Small Gestures

There is at least one thing I have learned in my life. God sometimes uses the smallest gestures of kindness to touch the life of another person. When you do simple things for people, you may ease a broken heart, light a spark of hope of just let people feel the love of God. Do something simple for someone today. You'll feel better and so will they.

Pray for Marsha B.

Judy, JoAnn and I just returned from visiting with Marsha at the Spine Hospital. She went back in early this morning for a procedure to stop excessive bleeding. She will stay overnight again, and probably be home tomorrow. Pray for the procedure to stop the bleeding. Pray for strength and no pain for Marsha, too. See you tomorrow night.

Time Change This Week

Hey! We're not going to meet at 6:30 this week. Since it is the introductory lesson for The Frazzled Women, we'll go ahead and meet at 7. Beginning next week, we'll make the time change to 6:30. Hope you're not totally confused!

Blessings

Do you focus on the negative or the positive? I suppose I'm wishy-washy and go back and forth, but I believe I'm usually more positive than negative. (I hope you think that, too.) But things happen frequently that could make us have negative attitudes if we choose to. At the local airport last Wednesday we were supposed to leave at 2:45 p.m. A bird, one of God's smaller creatures, chose to fly into the engine and make a plane in Sacramento unable to fly to OKC. They tried to fix it and couldn't get parts quickly. Instead they flew a plane from Denver to Sacrament to pick up people there and bring them to OKC. Then we were able to get on the plane to leave for Sacramento about 8 p.m. We sat at the airport from 12:30 to 8 p.m. waiting. It was discouraging, but it was a time we got to meet people from OKC, even one from Houston, and talk about our church and one in Texas. I didn't see one person yelling about the delay. Choosing a positive attitude helps us stop and count our blessings instead of focusing on one small thing. Delays don't usually change our life significantly. We can, instead, count our blessings and get our perspective back in focus. Strive to be positive and show people around you how a Christian can make the best out of not-so-good events.
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ." Ephesians 1:5