What's In The Wrapping?

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:6-7

O.K. girls, be honest - are you as exhausted as I am? Here it is two days before Christmas, and I feel like I'm ready for a long-winter's nap! I must say, I do love this time of year. Last night I pulled down some old photo albums, and was looking at the pictures of Christmas' past when my boys were younger. Needless to say I was brought to tears as I reflected on those special times.
I remember one particular Christmas - Caleb must have been five or six years old. He'd gone shopping for his family in the Santa Shop at school. As I picked him up that day he was so excited about a gift he'd bought for me. He talked about this "surprise" all the way home, and even told me that if I wanted, he'd let me have it as an early Christmas present. Needless to say he was a little disappointed when I told him no, let's wait for Christmas day and I'd unwrap it then. So, Christmas day finally arrived, and as we went to open gifts, Caleb wanted me to open mine first. Inside the wrapping was a small crystal teddy bear. It probably cost him $3 or $4 at most, but to him (and to me) it was a priceless treasure. I still have that teddy bear sitting on my computer stand, and each time I look at it I remember that Christmas day.
I'm sure we all have found memories of a particular Christmas gift, whether it be one we have given or have received. But let's just pause for a moment and reflect on the perfect Christmas gift ever given. Of course you know I'm talking about God's gift to us, Jesus. God could have given us His gift in rich fancy, shiny wrapping. After all, He was born a King, but instead, this gift was wrapped in swaddling clothes. Swaddling clothes were strips of cloth that the Hebrew women would wrap their babies in to help the baby's body grow straight. It also helped prevent SIDS. The mother would wash her newborn with salt water, anoint him with oil, and then wrap him in the strips of cloth.
Let's take a moment to carefully unwrap this precious gift that God has given to us. In it we find first of all love, but then mercy, and grace, and best of all salvation - eternal life for all who believe in Him. All these things rolled up into one - Immanuel, God with us - Jesus. Oh, what a beautiful gift our Father has given us.
But we can't leave this gift wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. No, God's perfect gift lived a perfect life, "humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." He died a humiliating and painful death for you and for me. God the Father highly exalted Him. He is now our risen Lord, and He lives and reigns forever!
So, I challenge you, on Christmas morning as you unwrap your gifts, take time to thank God for the perfect gift that He's given to mankind. Take a closer look at the Gift that He gave, wrapped in the swaddling clothes.
On behalf of the Venture Women's Ministry, I wish you and your family a very blessed and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Donna

My plans or His plans?

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

I know, I know, many of you are thinking, "I've known that verse since I was a child!" Well, I haven't known it long, and don't know if I've ever thought too much about it, even though it's one we hear quoted often. It came to me in a powerful way today. I had actually planned to write about my foray into the book, Radical, (for those of you who haven't read it...read it, it will change your thought life for sure, but hopefully your actions as well), but apparently God had different plans for this blog!

Anywhooo, I have had one of those days! I should have known something was up last night when I couldn't sleep and thought, "I should get up and work on my blog entry", then thought, "I'll do it tomorrow morning when everyone is out of the house". Well, that plan went right out the window. I have been on the RUN all day. Here's a little background.

I have been mentoring a young girl for almost a year now. I had never planned to mentor a teenager, (by God's grace we have gotten through the teen years with 2 daughters; and one son to go...I was almost home-free!) but need I say it, God had different plans. It's been an incredible blessing to me, my family and hopefully to this young lady. Anyway, she has really struggled this year; first with drugs and alcohol, then academically (it's hard to pass your classes when you are on drugs, in jail or in the hospital). Praise God, she has passed drug tests that have been administered to her in the last couple of months, but academically is still struggling some. Long story short, the feeling was that she would be better served by earning her High School Diploma through Adult High School. Well, today was the last day to take the placement test for that, but in order to take the placement test, she had to be discharged from public school (run, run), get her dad's signature and the school superintendent's signature (run, run) then show up at 5 to take a test from 6-8pm (run, run). Well, we did what we had to do, but she did not pass the test! She is so disappointed and embarrassed and full of "should haves and could haves". I didn't know what to say to her! Was all the running and maneuvering for nothing? Did we make a mistake? I told her that I wasn't sure why things turned out the way that they did, but God had a plan for her. He would use the situation ultimately for her good - she may not be able to see it now, but I was sure of it. She wasn't a failure or a loser (this was part of her self-recrimination). Sometimes, many times, things don't turn out the way we planned, but God is still in control and if she would embrace that, learn from it and move on, He would do great things in her life! He has a plan...an awesome plan!

As I got ready to write this blog, Jeremiah 29:11 came to me! I knew vaguely what it said, but not fully. How can I encourage others in God's Word, if I don't know it? This has shown me (again) how important scripture memorization is. If we hide God's word in our hearts, He will give it to us when we need it most. Our plans don't always work out, but God's plan always does!

Here's my new plan...learn and memorize His word, after all, that's part of His plan for me!

December 4, 2010

Turn Your Heart Toward Jesus...More!

“Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire.” Hebrew 12:28

Hope you are embracing this Christmas season with an awesome view of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

As 2010 comes to an end, I have found myself in a time of reflection. This is usually experienced at the first of the New Year. But none the less, reflection time has begun with an increasing awareness of God's love, grace, and mercy. Honest reflection revealed that too many things have interrupted my awareness of Jesus. This year's spiritual struggles brought me to a realization that I had lost my awesome view of Jesus and the reality of that shook me to the core of my heart!

BUT, our amazing and most loving, gracious, and merciful Lord took pity on me and has begun to renew my heart with a more awesome view of Him. While I have experienced spiritual ups and downs; the Lord is leading me to confidently persevere in Him and live for Him with a much more awesome view of Him. It has been evident that in 2010 the love and patience of Jesus Christ toward me has been abundant.

It has become clear that having an “awesome view of Jesus” ensures that He will dominate everything I do. It gives me an awareness of His heart in everything and everywhere He leads me. It will keep the right focus on what I do being all about who He is. It want be the doing that will be the consuming fire, it will be JESUS!

This is what the Lord is calling me to, a renewed awesome view of Him that leads my heart to be consumed with His heart. I’m not waiting till the first of 2011; I’m yielding this minute to His leading to turn my heart toward Him MORE! And what’s more, He is leading me to invite YOU!

In 2011, our Women's Ministry's motto is "Turn Your Heart Toward Jesus...More!" and our scripture reference is:

“Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire.” Hebrew 12:28

What a powerful verse to memorize and meditate on. May each of us seek to have an “awesome view of Jesus” and for HIM to become a consuming fire within our hearts?

LOOKING FOR A ROPE TO TIE A KNOT IN?

This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil ~~ Hebrews 6:19

I will never forget the illustration Kay Arthur used for this verse as she taught during the Fall Women's Conference at Precept Ministries last month. This was my first time attending the conference, and it definitely won't be my last.

We seem to always be looking for that proverbial rope to tie a knot in and hang on as life overwhelms us. Kay had a real rope that she anchored to the podium and used it over and over to drive home the point.... WE HAVE A ROPE and it is the hope that anchors our soul from within the veil!! Read Hebrews 10:10-14. We have a High Priest, Jesus, who offered one sacrifice for sin. No matter what happens to us, when we fail, when we go through trials, when we go looking for that rope to tie a knot in.... it is never any farther away than down on our knees.... and that rope holds.

THE LOVE OF GOD

Judy asked me to post the Scripture God laid on her heart to share with us.

I John 5:3-4
For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His
commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith.

How is everyone doing with scripture memorization, are you going back and reviewing? Review all the scriptures that have been posted in these last months and keep them fresh in your mind.

“I know of no other single practice in the Christian life more rewarding… than memorizing Scripture… No other single exercise pays greater spiritual dividends…”

~Charles Swindoll

WEARING HIS CLOTHES

This is Tonya's week to share a verse with us. She asked me to post it for her as her computer is having some "issues".... she tried but the computer wouldn't cooperate. She would like us to memorize the following verses.....

Colossians 3:12, 14
Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience..... And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.


As I read these verses Tonya asked me to share with you, I was reminded of something the Lord just showed me in the study of His Word, the meaning of Covenant. As He walked the earth in order to become our means of delivery from God's wrath, He clothed Himself in our humanity. How humbling that must have been for Him, I really have a hard time grasping what this must have been like for Him. He who created all things and for whom all things were created wrapped Himself in flesh.... All so we could clothe ourselves with His heavenly garments! In Covenant the Lord exchanged clothes with us!!! ... and going back to ancient times, this is one of the components of Covenant, you exchanged cloaks with the one you were entering into a covenant with. Because he "put on" our flesh, we can now "put on" His garments of holiness, compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, and love!!! Wow!!!

Oh and for those who came to the Simulcast and the Junctions following the Simulcast.... there is that word again, kindness! :-)

Being a Christian Mother

Teach your children to choose the right path, and when they are older, they will remain upon it. ~ Proverbs 22:6

If you know me it probably comes to no surprise that I would share scripture on motherhood. I am expecting my second son the beginning of December. As I spoke in my testimony, it is crucial to me that my boys have a solid foundation in the Lord.

Being a mother is a very important role that the Lord chooses to give to many women. The Bible never states that every woman should be a mother. However, it does say that those whom the Lord blesses to be mothers should take the responsibility seriously. Mothers have a unique and crucial role in the lives of their children. Motherhood is not a chore or unpleasant task. Just as a mother bears a child during pregnancy, and just as a mother feeds and cares for a child during infancy, so mothers also play an ongoing role in the lives of their children, whether they are adolescents, teenagers, young adults, or even adults with children of their own. While the role of motherhood must change and develop, the love, care, nurture, and encouragement a mother gives should never cease.

I love that my GrandMOTHER took extra time to make sure that we had a strong Christian foundation. She knew that one day all her hard work and teachings would pay off and I must say looking at all of us now she really out did herself and has made God very proud. I want that for my boys and my grandchildren one day.

The thing that I love the most is my Grandmother, my mother and myself are ALL active Christians and it gives me great comfort to know that I can call on them for guidance and encouragement and they are quick to pray for me and most importantly pray with me. I pray that I am just that for my boys when they get older and I encourage all you women to pray for your children and with your children often.

Experiencing God's Peace!

Phil 4:7 "And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus"

I was brought to this verse recently while under a lot of stress and pressure at work. For about a week I was so angry and frustrated, but instead of giving the problem to God, I just wanted to be angry. When I had finally had enough, I sat down with the Lord and started reading about His peace and this verse stuck out.

The great thing about the peace that God gives is that is it far greater than anything we can understand, even when we cannot see an answer to a situation and feel hopeless, God know the answer and can give us peace about it. So often I find myself getting caught up in such selfish things and can worry myself to death. But God does not want us to have anxiety, worry or fear. John 16:33 tells us that we will have struggles in this world, but not to worry over them, because He has overcome the world!

God has given me a peace in this situation that I know can only come from Him, and I am so thankful for that. He has also reminded me what a loving Father He is. I could almost see Him with His open, loving arms waiting for my frazzled self to run to Him so He could give me the comfort and peace I so needed. What an awesome God we serve! I am grateful He understands that I am a work in progress and that I am in constant need of Him. I hope this verse may come to your mind next time life seems to get a little too crazy to handle.

Understanding you are loved!

"Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine." Isaiah 43:1 (b)

How many times have you questioned your life? Your importance? I remember having a lot of these questions and concerns when I was in middle school and after I moved to a new high school. I didn't know a person and I didn't believe there was anything special about me. I still question this sometimes when I am down and feeling lonely... But... This verse explains that I should know better!!! Slowly reread the verse above.
This Bible verse proves that we are special because we are chosen!!! WE ARE HIS!!! How awesome is that! God chose you and me. We are special and honored. What a privilege it is to know that He picked us. He knew us before we were born and He loves us no matter how often we fall short of His glory and Holiness.
Later on in the 43rd chapter of Isaiah it says that "When we pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God.... verse 4- states "Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you" I am shocked that the God of this Universe that created everything around me says that I am precious... honored... and He loves me... WOW!!! What an amazing experience having that in my life.
I know as a Christian, we are not told that life will be perfect. The Bible verse says that "When you" have these hardships. Life is hard, especially with the economy, the world issues, the local issues!!! We have a close friend who is suffering from an unknown kind of cancer. He just got married and the doctors don't know how to treat him. My husband was concerned for him and his salvation. Bryan didn't sleep for three nights because he needed to talk to this man. I hate to admit it, but I was more concerned about my issues. I felt horrible when God opened my eyes. Nothing should be more important in our lives than telling the World of His great love for us. We need to be fishers of men and women. Remember when you question your worthiness that HE has redeemed us, summoned us and YOU ARE HIS, if you put your trust in Him! Rejoice and spread the good news! We are loved. Never forget your importance in Him!

The House that Built Me

By wisdom a House is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures. Proverbs 24:3-4

Well as you guys can see I am a little late on my blog. This week has been insane crazy! I hope the scripture speaks to you like it does me. I have started this 2 times and have had things come up where I would have to stop and then when I would come back to it I would delete the whole blog. Well this is my 3rd time starting it maybe it will be completed.
The House that Built Me is a song by Miranda Lambert that I heard many months ago and wanted to blog on it then, but I guess I didn't have the confidence to say what I wanted. (You know its like one of those times that you feel like you are the only person in the world this probably means anything to.)Well I hope its not one of those times! I want to encourage you to please listen to the song, and you might relate more than you think.
Growing up I was very lucky. I grew up in the same house with my parents who believed and taught the word of God. My dad worked and my mom stayed at home. We ate supper together(like real homemade food) everynight around the table with no phone and no tv. As a teenager I can remember that interrupting my social life but my mom did not care I still had to do it. When I got married that was the first time I had moved. Leaving that house was so hard. I suggested to Jason that when we get back from our honeymoon we should just go there and live but that didn't quit go over so well. I felt comfort and support there and love that was never ending and always encouraging. Now don't get me wrong it was not the perfect little family by no means and I am sure there are many times that were really tough but the good times far out weigh the bad times. Now that I am older and do have a house of my own I remember those times around the table and I know that they are times that by wisdom a House was being built. Since my mom died I have had a constant pull at my old house where I grew up and spent all those years. My dad still is in that house and alot of things have changed about the house but I still have constant memories of my home. I go there and leave with memories everytime. I know now that my mom & dad teaching me the ways of the Lord are the treasures that I have built up in the rooms there filled with love and support and an understanding of the love the Lord has for me.
Since this song has come to me I have posed a very important question. "How is the house being built for my family?" Am I building a house with God's Wisdom, by Gods knowledge am I filling the rooms with beautiful treasures? How about the House that is bulding your family? Is it with wisdom and knowledge of God? I pray this blog helps us to see the Houses that we are building, I pray that we are Thankful for the ones that helped build us and I pray that we build strong firm houses that can withstand any storm.

Amy

"Brothers, I do not consider yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

Philipians 3: 13-14



It seems I have used this verse so many times recently, including in my own life. I thought it might be an appropriate addition to the blog. It's so encouraging to know that this came from the mouth of a man who most would consider having a crippling sinful past---Paul, the former Christian killer.



I was hiking Crowder's Mountain this week and was talking with someone close to me. She shared with me the intense hate she has for her mother due to various things that have occurred in her life. The hate and resentment she holds is so intense that forgiveness seemed an impossibility. During our conversation this verse came to me. After sharing the verse it seemed like a layer of anger and hurt peeled away. She even said that she was more ready to forgive and heal than she had been before. Wow! What an incredible, gracious God we have! So often we let our past dictate who we are, instead of letting Christ mold us into who we are to become. How can we look ahead toward Heaven when we are always looking at our past? Whether it is sin that we have committed ourselves or sin that has been done to us, we must remember that God never intends for us to wallow in it. He wants us to deal with it, learn from it, and move on stronger in Him. Although I've not mastered this, it has certainly been an encouragement for me in times when I get stuck reliving history. I pray it does the same for you!

Isaiah 26:3-4

"You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock."

I don't think my friend knew how badly I needed to hear this verse when she shared it with me years ago. I was in a new place, feeling very much alone, battling anxiety, and very discouraged. There were times during that season of my life that I would find myself almost chanting this verse. And I learned then that He is absolutely an Everlasting Rock!!

I love this passage because it doesn't matter where we are in life, it applies. If it doesn't today it probably will tomorrow. I want my mind, no matter what I'm doing, to be fixed on Him, because it's only then that I experience His true peace...."peace that passes understanding". And trust me, in my crazy life, I can always use peace.:0)

Love you ladies!!!

Keri

MEMORIZING AND FORGETTING.... MEMORIZING AND FORGETTING.......

I want to share a portion from a blog I read, Desiring God, which is John Piper's blog. Are you forgetting the scriptures you've memorized weeks before? Don't be discouraged.... read on....

How Do You Remember the Scripture You've Memorized?

(Author: Tyler Kenney)

John Piper answers this question in today's Ask Pastor John. Scroll down to read a transcript.

The following is an edited transcript of the audio.

How do you keep from forgetting Scripture after you've memorized it?

I don't. But practically, what can you do to keep it as long as you can? There is only one word. Review.

Review, review, review. There is no way to memorize Scripture that keeps you from losing it. Some people don't lose anything. Some people have traps in their head that just hang on to it. But only 1 in 10,000 people can do that. Average folks like me have to work real hard to memorize the first time, and then recurrently review to keep it. So I memorize verses every day, and I forget them every day.

This morning I re-memorized a verse. I finished Deuteronomy and ran across a verse that I memorized years ago. Maybe I memorize it once a year, because I read the whole Bible once every year.

The verse is Deuteronomy 33:26. "There is none like God, O Jeshurun, who rides through the heavens to your help, and through the skies in his majesty." So, I've got it memorized. I probably will forget it in a week. That verse is hard for me to remember.

I've memorized that verse probably five times in five years. I forget it because I don't use it as often as some verses. So, I jot it down on a little piece of paper and carry it in my pocket, pulling it out during the day once or twice. If I try to nail it so that it is useful for me over the long haul, I keep it and review it.

A practical thing I would suggest for people to do, is decide what cluster of text they want to always be at their disposal. For me I could name Psalm 46, Psalm 23, Psalm 1, Romans 8, 2 Corinthians 5:21, a cluster of texts surrounding justification, 1 Peter 4:11—"let him who serves serve in the strength that God supplies, that in everything God may get the glory through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the dominion forever." This is the most quoted verse as we move into worship at Bethlehem.

So for my soul, for the warfare of my life, and for ministry in hospitals and counseling sessions, I want a cluster of texts at my disposal. Decide what those are, put them on a piece of paper, and review them until you have them down. I'll give you a little story.

My first or second year of pastoring I was called to the hospital—quickly. I went without my Bible. Rollin Erickson's wife just had a heart attack. I walk into a room of probably 20 family members that didn't know if she was alive or dead—as she is in surgery. Rollin gave me a big hug and said, "John, give us a Word from the Lord." Now, if I had my Bible I would have opened it to a Psalm or something. I didn't have my Bible, and for whatever reason at age 35 my mind went blank.

I felt so humiliated. It was horrible. Here are 20 people, and the husband of a dying woman says, "Give us a Word from the Lord." I can't even remember what I said. I probably said, "Let's pray," and tried to paraphrase some Scripture. I went home and got on my knees that afternoon. I said, "Lord Jesus, that will never happen again." I opened to Psalm 46—"God is our refuge and strength." I have been able to quote Psalm 46 verbatim for the last 28 years. I decided that Psalm 46 is going to be in my head because it is so useful all the time.

The answer is, review. But don't try to do that with every verse you learn. You should be learning hundreds of Bible verses by heart, and forgetting 90% of them. But then you get to them again and relearn them, and they are still with you because you learned them once. Somehow they will function to get out into your life.

But really nail down a cluster of soul strengthening words.

John Piper's blog can be found at www.desiringgod.org/Blog/

In Christ Alone,

Jane

Verse 5/Plus a Little Story

John 2:19 Jesus answered them saying, "Tear down this temple and in three days, I will raise it up again!" Take that!!!! This verse isn't one of the famous ones, many people overlook it, but as I was studying through John with friends and family, this was one we chose to memorize. It stuck. Whenever I doubt the power of God, whenever I think that things are impossible, whenever I doubt that God even knows what exactly is going on, He brings this verse to the front of my mind. It's not a poetic ringer but I just love it, it's like Jesus is saying, "You can run, but you can't hide," from my power, "I will ultimately come out on top," "Do your best but VICTORY IS MINE!" I had such a peace when He told me this was the verse I was to share with you. Not coincidently, it is the eve of my daughter's 16th birthday, He is victorious through her and has used my weakness to remain strong. I love the vision of my Lord as a manly man, I can just hear Him telling those Sanhedrin what for. He loved those parables, and I love Him. Enjoy the verse, I pray it becomes to you what it is to me.
Karen

Be Still

I don't know about you... But I like things done on my schedule and I worry when it doesn't seem to be possible to get it complete! So... What does God tell me? He gave me words of wisdom this week during my devotions. I journaled this week and here is some of the promises! Most of this is from my devotions- Tapestry... "Every once in a while God puts a desire in you that's really specific... God may seem to be slow in fulfilling some of your desires, so be prepared to wait if you need to. He may allow obstacles and hardships in order to weed out the weak desires, to strengthen your resolve, to produce endurance, and to TEST YOUR FAITH!!" "As we walk with Him, giving Him permission to shape our dreams, trusting Him with them, HE CAN BLOW THE TOP OFF OUR EXPECTATIONS!!!"
Ephesians 3:20- Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine according to His power that is at work within us. (v21)To HIM BE GLORY! So... lesson- Walk Faithfully. "Obey God's commands, be in constant conversation with Him, rest in His good heart and in his absolute power and control over everything. Spend less time worrying about the details. Be more in awe of the awesome God who wants to do incredible things with you and through you..." And a special Bible verse to remind me to wait patiently and listen for His plans is from Psalms- "Like a weaned child, like a weaned child to his mother, I have stilled and quieted my soul." Now... If I just listen to what I know... Believe... and Have Faith in!!!

Living Life God's Way

Be very careful,then, how you live- not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Ephesians 5:15-17



Sometimes I am really confused on how to actually live my life. I have been a Christian for a long time and have had the "moutain top experiences" and the "valley" experiences. However, I do not believe that this is what God intended for the Christian life. I think this may be the hardest time in history to actually distinguish between good and godly. Our society allows us to do many "good" things and to be involved in others lives. It also tells us that it is okay to always focus on ourselves and to strive for all the best opportunities. As a Christian, this can be very confusing because "good is good" , right? This is something God has been convicting me of for a couple of years now. Obviously, I have not spent enough time with God to get a clear answer because I keep falling into the trap of "societal good". My extremely practical mind, most of the time, is what keeps me from praying about God's will. On the other hand, it can be the thing that draws me closer to God and allows me to really feel His presence. As I was doing my devotional (I have been reading Ephesians) the above verse just really jumped out at me, especially the words--- Be very careful and understand what the Lord's will is. So many days I live my life the way I want to, with not much concern, because I do not really do anything "bad". My life fits into what society says is "good", so surely that should mean I am doing things the "right way". This , however, is the main weapon the devil uses in my life. After reading Eph. 5:15-17, I realized how foolish and just plain stupid it is. God does not say to live my life "good". He says to be wise and to follow His will for my life. I cannot do that living "my way". God is challenging me to view life through His RIGHT truth and to seize His GOOD will for my life. Then my life will be full of the GODLY opportunities that will bring Him, not society, glory.

In Your FACE

On a recent car trip with a friend, I said these words, "I hate the way people today are so flakey, I never cancel my committments. People are getting so slack." Should have known a lesson was in my near future... funny how He knows when we are getting too haughty. Hello, my name is Karen and I tend to be a little judgemental. I was becoming tired of the way people are constantly canceling plans, rescheduling, late for things, etc. Then He showed me exactly what it was like to be in a position of relying on someone else's grace. He showed me what it was to make the phone call saying, "I'm not going to make it, something has come up." Part of my control-freakness usually doesn't let that happen. What I was shown was the grace of others, the well wishes and kind words. In striving to grow, it hurts sometimes to learn the lessons, to show grace and compassion for others. I am harsh and expect so much of others and am so blessed that neither He nor anyone else holds me to that standard. Grace rocks.

Shining!

Week 4 Memory Verse: In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16

Yesterday I attended the funeral of one of my dear friend's father. I didn't know the man, but I'd heard my friend talk about her father on many occasions. I knew that he was a Christian, so I had no doubt as to where his eternal home would be. Nonetheless, as you can imagine, that family was still very mournful of their loss of husband, daddy, and granddaddy. During the service, the congregation was invited to stand and share any remarks of the memories they had of this man. I was so moved in listening to the comments people made about him. From men who had served with him in the Korean War all the way to people who shared breakfast with him at Hardees, they stood and shared about the impact this gentleman had made in their lives. And one common thing was said over and over, "Floyd loved the Lord, and that love was shown in his life toward others." I couldn't help but think of what Jesus said about the two greatest commandments: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. And the second is like it, love your neighbor as yourself." Over and over through the testimonies I heard people saying this was the life this man lived.
As I reflect on that funeral service, I have to stop and wonder, what would people say about me at my funeral? Now I'm not trying to be morbid here, and I'm certainly not looking for the praise of man, but - I do have to ask myself the question, "where is my light shining"? God has given me a time-span of life to live - am I fully living that life for Him? Am I truly loving Him fully, and my neighbor as myself. This would be a great opportunity for the enemy to jump in and beat me up in my failures, but you know, instead I think I'll just give my God the praise, honor and glory for first allowing me to be at the funeral service, and then second, this time of reflection in my own life.

O God, You are so good to me. Forgive me when I become so busy in this life that I don't let others see Your love in and through me. Lord Jesus, shine Your light through me that others may praise the Father in heaven.

Women's Junction Dinner Meeting

I just wanted to remind everyone about this months Women's Junction on Monday, June 14th from 6:30p to 8:30p on the Hardin Campus in the Mill. Tickets are $8 per person and that includes dinner. Please help us spread the word and bring a friend. If you have any questions please feel free to contact Amy Kelly at 704-435-0770 or 704-860-6448. Thanks and we look forward to seeing everyone there.

Memory Verse #3

"and you have become a new person. This new person is continually being renewed in knowledge to be like her Creator".
Colossians 3:10

First off, let me say that I have been obsessing over what verse to share since I found out I would be posting...4 weeks ago! Should it be serious, should it be enlightening, should it be shared with humor? Hopefully it can be all that and more. I have not been a Christian all my life although I have believed in God for most of my life. It was only a few years ago that I made the decision once and for all to trust Him, follow Him and love Him. It has been invaluable to me to have that date, March 24, 2008 @ 3:07 p.m., that I can hold up during those times that Satan attacks me with his lies and seeks to have me question my salvation.
This verse, given to me by my daughter, is one that I have hanging up and look at often. It reminds me that I have become a new person in Christ. That I am continually, every day and in every way striving to follow His ways, to become more like Him. It is a deliberate and intentional way of living. It involves a lot of stumbling and falling, but more importantly getting up, dusting myself off, seeking His forgiveness, learning from my mistakes and turning to His Word, which is knowledge. As women, we juggle many things and we can be harsher critics of ourselves than others are. I have to remember; it's a journey, not a guilt trip! When I read this verse, it helps me relax and know that I am a work in progress, I am "being" renewed. It's an ongoing, lifelong process and I am thankful for a God of mercy and grace who accepts me as I am, but continues to work in my life to make me more like Him!

First Blog?!?!

So...i have never blogged before and only recently started reading the other blogs posted. I must say I am a little nervous for the first one, but it has been awesome to see everyone's honesty and transparency through these blogs!! I am so excited to be a part of the women's ministry and see what God has planned for me, but have also been a little intimidated, mostly just doubting where I will fit in, if I am equipped or worthy for God to use me. While studying this week about Jehovah-jireh, The Lord will Provide, I felt like I wanted to share with you how God has provided for me! A few weeks ago, after the first women's leadership meeting, these yucky feelings started creeping in, doubt, worry, fear... The next day as I opened my devotion for the day, Jehovah-jirah provided for me the assurance that I needed!! As I read the devotion, my eyes started filling up with tears at how awesome our Lord is. It was titled, "When God calls a Woman" and it talked about how God chooses us for His service and when he calls us He also equips us. I realized the feelings I was having were feelings of selfishness and that all I need to do was trust the Lord for His guidance. If you want to read the devotion, I put a link below. I am so thankful that we serve a merciful God who promises He will provide for us!!
So, the first blog was not so bad, it's nice to go ahead and get this one out of the way!!

http://proverbs31devotions.blogspot.com/2010/04/when-god-calls-woman.html

MEMORY VERSE # 2

Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me . Psalm 51:10


This scripture is what I pray throughout the day when my heart's attitude begins to turn away from loving thoughts to unkind and unloving thoughts or when I am beginning to waver from being fully surrendered and dedicated to the Lord. The Lord is faithful to do just that, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me." What a WONDERFUL and AWESOME GOD we serve!

Women's Ministry & Facebook

Well...we did it! Venture Women's Ministry is now on facebook. Click on the link to become a member of the group. http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=102512313128682 This page is open to the public so feel free to share the link with everyone. This will be a great place to reach out for prayer, share events or just plainly talk about the Lord and what He is doing in your life. "I hope everyone is having a wonderful day in the Lord" as Brenda White would say!

Monday Gals

I love Monday nights. It's just myself, my daughter, 5-6 friends, a diet Coke and Lisa. Lisa Terkherst is associated with Proverbs 31 ministries which is one of the scriptures that gives women instruction on how to be women. We open our Bibles and discuss what spoke to us that week and how the chapters of the book seem to always mirror what is taking place in our lives and our hearts. We laugh, we share, we pray for one another and are an ever changing group. Women to women, it's just one of those relationships that seems to be annointed by God to encourage you, lift you up and cover you with their approval and prayers. Monday nights around the kitchen table are what I envision Heaven to be like, laughing, smiling, joyful, honesty; only in Heaven, Jesus is physically around the circle, laughing with us. Becoming more than just a Bible Study Girl is the topic of the book we are in right now, learning that He wants that sit around the table relationship with Him. I've started just talking out loud in prayer in my office when I need strength, guidance or am just at the end of the rope. He is the Ancient of Days, the Holy One, but He is also Abba, Father. He wants to talk with us about our struggles, share in the joy of victories, and help us when we are tempted.
Every woman needs a gaggle, are you a part of a gaggle of gals who can encourage you, build you up in the faith, hold you accountable? If not, why? Pray and search you heart for that group and jump in feet first. There are never any guarentees in relationships, but keep trying and you will find that Monday night bliss and be blessed for it.
BTW, I am 8 lbs down and this low carb kick is really going very well. Thanks for all the prayers.

Check out other blogs we like

I am working today but sat down on my break to check out the blogs I follow for updates. It is always exciting to see a new update because God has spoken to me many times through blogs where bloggers are honest about their struggles and things the Lord has shown them in their lives. We are not all that different you know, we face much of the same stuff day in and day out. I read Austin's blog and bingo.... add to that I am working my way through a CD set from Jill Briscoe (www.tellingthetruth.org) called Prayer That Works. I just recently heard a poem she recited on one of her messages. It dealt with praying for something but when waiting for the answer "don't tell Him how and don't tell Him Now". He answers in His own way, according to His will, in His infinite wisdom and His timing is always perfect.

Check out the list of blogs we follow on the right-hand side of the page and be encouraged by others who walk the same road we all do.

Austin's blog is titled "My Blog".

There is a first time for everything...

Well this is my FIRST time blogging, can you believe it? Yes the computer nerd has never blogged. I know that must come as a shock to some of you.

I am a new member of the women's ministry and I must say that I am so glad to be part of such an amazing group of women and more than that be part of such an awesome church. I love the path that my family (husband, Mike and son, John Michael) and I are on right now and we are so blessed to have God at the center of our lives. It took us a minute to get there but now that we are there, there is no turning back.

We just found out that God is blessing us with another child in December. We are all very excited and our family is REALLY hoping for a girl this time. We have so many boys in our family that I am not sure what we would all do with a little girl, but I know my mom, aunt and sisters know. Although I have been excited about the pregnancy, I have also had so much anxiety. I am not sure why. Sometimes I wonder why God feels that I am deserving of another child. My brother told Mike the day we found out we were pregnant that children are God's blessings to parents and He must of felt that we were deserving. That touched Mike so much that when I mentioned me getting my tubes tied he said "well lets not make that decision just yet." This is coming from a guy that was unsure about have two children. Amazing how God speaks to you. Please keep me in your prayers. I know God is in control so I pray daily to keep my faith and trust in Him.

Whewww, that wasn't so bad. I thought blogging would be much harder. Hope everyone has a wonderful day. Until next time.

ALMOST ONE WEEK IN, HOW ARE YOU DOING?

Memorizing our first scripture verse that is.... I find that breaking it up and progressively getting individual parts down first, then spending a few days putting them all together in my head works best for me. I use index cards and have also found index cards that come in a spiral notebook-type format that sits up nicely on my desk.

While memorizing this particular scripture (Hebrews 4:16) this past week, I have really concentrated on meditating on it as well. The Lord has given me some insights into this scripture by recalling information I have read recently and in the past. For instance, "let us draw near with confidence"..... why would He tell us to draw near with confidence? First, the most obvious, He wants us "near", He wants our company! He eagerly waits for us to show up. Alright, this is something we need to really get into our hearts and heads..... the God of the Universe who created ALL things eagerly waits for us to come and spend time with Him. A mental picture I get of this is from a book (Grace Walk by Steve McVey) I read a while back of the Lord waiting in the sitting room for our morning talk while we frantically get things together to rush out the door to get our day started, then as we fly by the door of the sitting room and see Him there, we gulp and say "sorry, I am so late, maybe tomorrow?" Have you ever thought about it like this before? Yet I believe this is indeed the scene that plays out far too often in our day-to-day lives. We are too busy to "draw near"!! Then take the word "confidence". The first meaning in the dictionary I looked this word up in says "firm trust", the second "certainty". We are to approach with absolute firm trust and certainty that we are accepted because we have accepted Christ. That's faith folks..... trusting with absolute certainty that we are accepted; that is what we are to approach the throne of grace with. Now the phrase that reads "so that we may receive mercy".... mercy, what is mercy? The dictionary states it is refraining from inflicting punishment on an offender or enemy.... yep, that was us, enemies of God until we accepted His Son's, Jesus Christ, sacrifice for our sins and in return we were granted mercy and the punishment (which is death, by the way) was averted. Now, grace... we use this word a lot in speaking about the Lord BUT do we understand what it means. It is defined as unmerited favor. In an article I read not long ago in Decision Magazine it was defined as God's blessings, not just once when we were saved by grace but every day, day in and day out. He pours out His grace on us because we deserved death but instead received life and life in abundance as we, day by day, draw near with confidence and partake of what was Christ's alone but made ours by His great mercy.

Now... let us begin our days by drawing near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16 (paraphrased).

OFF AND RUNNING, MEMORY VERSE #1

Therefore, let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16


Here we go ladies, our first memory verse of many. I prayed for guidance in choosing this verse. I asked the Lord for a verse that would set the tone for our challenge. This verse tells us that no matter what our need, the Lord is there to listen and to help and we are to have confidence in approaching him with that need. Go to your bible and read verse 15, the verse that precedes our memory verse. Have you ever wished you had someone to talk to who understands your need or your problem completely, someone who understands you completely? You have that !! We all do!! He is Jesus, our Lord. We can come to Him knowing that He sympathizes with our weaknesses, knowing He understands. He was tempted in all things as we are yet without sin. Couple this memory verse with prayer as you meditate on it for the next two weeks and draw near to Him with confidence.

Dieting, Will I Die?

I have been on literally every diet known to man. I have struggled with overeating and have often turned to food as comfort. This is one of the only struggles that shows, literally. Other sins we can hide and keep to ourselves, but this is one that is out there for everyone to see. Well, I've enlisted my husband this time and we are doing a low carb diet. Hopefully it will stick this time, I do have faith. I am not giving up without a fight. There is that balance between being able to cross your legs with minimal discomfort and feeling comfortable in your own skin that isn't a magic number on the scales, it just is. So, for the 1264302056020th time, I am getting going (well actually as of yesterday) so say a prayer for me. I have been using the Wii Fit and have actually been enjoying it, mostly every day for 53 days. I am almost sure I want to get rid of my treadmill and gazelle (which currently serve as my hang-up space for ironed uniforms). I chose this program because there are a bunch of girls at work who have lost weight on the New Adkins diet and because I think my husband loves the idea of eating lots of protein and pork rinds. I am also starting to see that the Lord wants us to glorify Him with every area of our lives and if I can give up the smutty romance novels, surely I can give up apple fritters. So, ready, set, go.......I'll let you know how it goes!

WOMEN'S SCRIPTURE MEMORY CHALLENGE

WOMEN’S SCRIPTURE MEMORY CHALLENGE
Ephesians 6:13-17

Venture Women’s Ministry is introducing the Women’s Scripture Memory Challenge which will be based off the blog, www.hardinwomen.blogspot.com. Once every two weeks, a Women’s Ministry Team member will choose a scripture verse and post it on the blog. We will begin on Thursday, April 29th, please check the blog that day for your first scripture. By the end of the year, we will have memorized 17 scripture verses. It is very important to memorize not only the verse but the chapter and verse numbers. These are our “pointers” when we share scripture God leads us to share with someone He places in our path. We need to not only know the scripture but where it is in the bible.

We encourage everyone to participate. We also encourage you to comment on this scripture and what the Lord has shown you through these two weeks of mediating on and memorizing this scripture verse. Also you may want to share some of your memorization techniques that may help others sharpen these skills.

Our blog will begin to be utilized for the building up of the Body and growing us in Christ. This will be a challenge but one that is necessary to meet. We learn and memorize every day of our lives just to be able to function. There is usually a block that comes up when Scripture memorization is mentioned and we automatically assume we can’t do it. If we investigated further into this resistance, we could identify it for what it is, the flesh warring against the spirit.

There is so much available to us as the Church. We have book stores filled with bibles and other materials for Christian growth; we have radio stations that fill the air waves with Bible teaching and Christian music. To whom much is given, much is required. The Holy Spirit will remind us of scriptures that we filed away in our minds. He can’t remind us of something we haven’t bothered to learn in the first place.

Pursued by a Relentless God

I borrowed some of the words in the title from the cover of a book I just finished reading, Crazy Love by Francis Chan. An absolutely amazing and life-changing book, and I highly recommend it. As I prepare for the upcoming Wed night bible studies beginning this week, I am just amazed at where I am. I can hardly believe the Lord is using me in the way He is. I am humbled by the mercy and grace that has placed me where I am. Without Him, I would not be experiencing this amazing journey.

As I reflect on my past, my mistakes, my failures, I see how the hand of God has sustained me through the years, years where He was not even a passing thought in my mind even though I've been saved since age 9. I can appreciate all the more the pleasure of His presence because of the emptiness I have experienced without it. I can appreciate the abundant life even more as I have experienced the wasted life. I have been given the opportunity to share this experience with others and can relate to that person who wonders "I must be missing something, there has to be more". I can testify to true surrender as God Himself brought me to that place and gave me the ability to seek and do His will for my life. Lord, I pray that I will always remember my place and that my limitations under El Elyon (God Most High) are always before me. Give me a heart that loves unconditionally, give me a non-judgmental spirit, and give me Christ's love to show to others.

As we embark on this first round of the Lord Series studies, I pray for lives to be changed forever. We are being pursued by a relentless God that never gives up or gives in. Embrace the study you have chosen, give your time and devotion to it and watch as miracles unfold in your life and in those around you.

Jury Duty Anyone

If you know me, I rarely back down from a fight, a battle. I was the one person who even tried to make the best of jury duty. I know, right? The journey of the juror is one which I would not care to repeat after days of uncertainty and waiting and seriously thinking about topics like capital punishment, right and wrong, presumed innocence, burden of proof. The one thing that kept creeping up in my thoughts was the blood of Christ. He has assumed the punishment, cleansed us from wrong and taken our offenses onto Himself just for love. Wow. The main difference is that we are not presumed innocent but all guilty and in need of Him love to free us. The devil is the D.A. trying to taint our innocence and show the Father the guilty, ugly things we have done and make our identity in those accusations. The Son is the pardon and although I don't deserve it, I am forever grateful for that grace! Whatever reason He had for allowing this experience in my life I am thankful for the experience and of course, I feel a story in the making! Jurors meet from across the jury assembly room and their eyes meet.................
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Revenge of the Nerds

The best part of becoming an adult is embracing the God given qualities you have. You no longer have to read in private or in the bathroom, because "who reads for fun?" My name is Karen Schultz and I am a nerd. Who knew, there are a bunch of us at Venture!!!!! Tonight was awesome, getting to know some of the fellow nerds (you know who you are) and laughing, escaping from our day to day worries. We had a room full of doctors, teachers, nurses, those who love to clean their homes, Duke basketball fans and even those who love horror movies! (Not really those were all falses, I mean who likes Duke basketball?) Mainly we enjoyed getting to know each other and share our love for growing in Him. Wow, there is just something about a gaggle of women to make me smile! If you are interested in getting in on our nerdfest, if you love to read and share your thoughts about what you've read, you've landed in the right spot! Shoot myself or Jane Stevens an email and start the adventure into the pages of a book!

Training

Well, it's been about 15 years since college and in the interum, I have been to plenty of conferences, education classes and training sessions. None like the one I've been to the past 4 weeks. The Crisis Pregnancy Center of Gaston County has training twice a year to prepare counselors in various capacities to help with work at the center. Several of the women of Venture have attended this spring's training and BOY OLE BOY has it been something. If you read this blog, start praying for the women who have comitted to volunteering with the Center and taking the training. The front lines of life and death are at stake and the victor is the precious life of a baby. The enemy is a prowling lion who seeks to destroy that which is good. Bathe this ministry in prayer. I have recently spoken with someone who volunteered at the Center for years and feels the enemy was able to destroy her marriage taking her out of the ministry ultimately. We are headed into battle and need your support and prayers. This is not a ministry the devil will let go without a fight.
We have learned so much that has opened our eyes about the way abortion is dressed up, "safe sex" has lied to our generation and how government has snuck in and established itself as the judge and jury for these poor little babies. Heck, we even learned that "Roe" from "Roe vs. Wade" never had an abortion but was used sorely and left to live a life of pain until the Lord saved her.
So, as Venture enters into this partnership in the future, pray that the ministry and services the Center stands for translate well into this community. Start praying now!!!!!

Children. When most women are growing up, they dream of raising a family. These dreams often include picnics, laughter and hugs and let's face it, running along the beach hand in hand. They definitely do not include a call from the school saying, "Mam, this is your daughter's school. We have a little problem. She is stuck in her jacket and starting to panic..." Not one of the best moments in a long list of phone calls from the schools over the years. As I deal with the delima at hand, I am reminded to laugh as I say, "only my child".
Today, I was privy to a little slice of heaven as my sister gave birth to her 5th child. That moment that I capture with each delivery of a new baby when the mother "meets" the child for the first time and that bond is formed that is so precious to both for their entire lives is something I never fail to keep inside. The urge to just belly sob fortunately has been reigned in over the years and I simply pray that the bond never fades as usually a tear escapes and is quickly wiped away.
As I instructed the school to cut my daughter out of her jacket recently and spoke with her to calm her down, I was aware that I will always be a voice of reason in her life. I am reminded that the Father loves us with such perfect love as he cuts us from the "jacket" of sin and sets us free. When we say "only my child!" our Father is saying, "my child!" Because, try as we may, we can never fathom or capture the Love He has for us. I love Psalm 13913-15, "You made all the delicate inner parts of my body and knit them together in my mother's womb. You were there while I was in utter seclusion!" This verse gives me that same feeling in my belly as that moment with baby and mom.....BEFORE you were, He loved you.
The best gift we can give to our kids is the love of Christ which will sustain them beyond what love we have for them. As we enjoy these gifts from God, remind yourself that He loves them before we do and more than we do!

Exciting News from Venture Woman to Woman!

Bible Study Schedule: Sundays, Wednesdays and Monday Mornings

Sundays: 9:45 - 10:45 Room 23 April 25 - June 6 Becoming a Titus 2 Woman

June 13 - July 25 Anointed Transformed Redeemed


Wednesdays: 6:30 - 8:00 / April 28 - July 15

1. Lord I Want to Know You - Devotional Study on the Names of God - To know God is to know His character, and that character is revealed in His names. Each name is an aspect of His sovereignty over your life. If you want a deeper, abiding faith, this study will help you see and understand how powerfully He works.

2. Lord I Need Grace to Make It - Devotional Study on God's Power for Daily Living - God's grace is sufficient, no matter what your failures, no matter what you're facing - He has chosen to display His magnificent strength in our weakness! If you've ever wondered whether you can make it through another day, this is the study for you. What a great study to share with others!

3. Lord Is It Warfare? Teach Me to Stand - Devotional Study on Spiritual Victory Yes, there's a war going on, and the devil does everything he can to defeat us with lies and fear. But you can learn how to resist him and be more than a conqueror through Jesus Christ. Learn the battle tactics of your enemy and discover scriptural ways to overcome him by turning to Christ for strength, power and victory!

* These studies are foundational studies that we want every woman to take. They will run consecutively so that all women have a chance to take each of them. Here is the rest of this year's scheduled dates for Wednesday Bible Study:
July 28 - October 13 and October 20 - December 29.


IMPORTANT: Please email Brenda White (brenda.white@daretoventure.org) which study you plan to take April 28 - July 15 so I can get the books ordered. Book Cost is $10.

Fill out an event envelop, write women's Bible Study along with your book cost and turn it in.


Monday: 9:00 - 11:00 / June 14 - August 23 / Room 23

Lord Is It Warfare? Teach Me to Stand - Devotional Study on Spiritual Victory Yes, there's a war going on, and the devil does everything he can to defeat us with lies and fear. But you can learn how to resist him and be more than a conqueror through Jesus Christ. Learn the battle tactics of your enemy and discover scriptural ways to overcome him by turning to Christ for strength, power and victory!


JUNTION:

April 21, Wednesday 6:30 - 8:00 pm
May 15, Saturday Brunch 11:00 am - 1:00 pm


PRECEPT WOMEN'S CONFERENCE, OCT 22-24 Fri-Sun

IMPORTANT: Please let me know today.

Speakers - Kay Arthur and Precept StaffCost $228.00 which includes: ¨
Conference, Dorm Rooms (on site & are bunks with up to 8 women in rooms) and ¨ Meals

Location: Precept Ministries' campus at 7324 Noah Reid Road; Chattanooga, TN

Schedule:
Friday, October 22nd: Registration is from 3pm to 5pm followed by an evening session starting at 6:45pm
Saturday, October 23rd: Sessions are all day through the evening
Sunday, October 24th: Morning Session. Conference ends at 1pm

Deposit $50 is due now. If you are planning to go please notify me today.
2nd Payment $60 due April 25
3rd Payment $60 due June 27
Final Payment $58 due August 29

Cancellation Policy All deposits are nonrefundable unless cancellations are made at least 30 days prior to the start of the event.



Special Opportunity to Learn How to Study the Bible:

Precept Ministries will be at Hickory Grove Baptist Church North Campus this summer, Friday July 30th and Saturday the 31st.
This is a wonderful opportunity to learn the inductive method of Bible study. This is for anyone wanting to learn to study God's word for themselves, not just for teachers.

Go to www.precept.org click on workshops and classes, then workshops in your area. You will see the Charlotte, NC icon. Click on this icon to see the workshops being offered. There is a charge but there is a 25% discount if registering before July 6th.

Jane Stevens will be attending both Friday and Saturday if anyone else is interested in attending. Call the church for her contact info.

New Bible studies starting

Two new Bible studies are starting this Wednesday night, March 3, 2010. Both studies start 6:30 and run to 8:00.

1) Pray in Faith - if you have not taken this Bible study, we ask that you take this one before the other one being offered.

2) Anointed, Transformed and Redeemed

See you there!

Prayers Answered

I forget from time to time that the Lord likes to answer prayers in a big way, ever think about this in your day to day life? Sometimes I forget that the Lord has great things in store for me and wants to answer our prayers in mighty way, according to His will. Imagine being Mary, the mother of Jesus and waiting for His time to come when everyone on earth would be rescued by His coming only to hear Him say, "My time has not yet come!" Patience waiting for an answer can sometimes take years, months or minutes. I received an answer in a big way this weekend, trusting God for the answer and sure He would supply in His time and in His Way. God as The Way, that is how I have seen Him this week. Tim and I began praying for a way out of the 20,000/month medicine coverage which was depleating out insurance policy down to the bare minimum. We have trusted more now than ever before that He would provide. I was reading a Francine Rivers this week and I remembered that the way He provides for us cannot be predicted but that He will is. The first call I made when I found out the prediciment was to my mentors, both of whom told me, "God is faithful, He will not let you go, He loves you Karen, He will provide". What a blessing. As I trusted in faith and was prepared to let God cover it, I was rewarded with a uncharacteristicly quick answer. Never doubt the way that God loves you and the way He will show it in the refining of your heart! Don't give up praying for the desires of your heart, I was brought to my knees, shaking with the news that the drug company agreed to pick up the bill for the medication since we were almost out of insurance. I was just weeping, thanking God for the answer, it was a moment I will never forget and am grateful to Him for showing me His power in full light. Praise be to God, for He cares for my needs and provides! I have been privledged to know Primary Pulmonary Hypertension and all the scares and ups and downs for it has taught me to trust in the Lord, it has encouraged my faith and I count myself blessed for the ride.

Snow Day

I forgot I wanted to share this video with you. It's of Ari sledding. He had SO much fun and we had just as much fun watching him enjoy the snow!!

NEWS

So, I've started this blog a thousand times in my head. I've been so excited and anxious to share this news with you. Austin may be commenting on it this Sunday, so I thought I'd go ahead and let those few of you who read this in on our secret. Also, we may find out who actually reads this. So are you ready??? Drum roll please...................we are adopting!!! I'm so excited I can hardly stand it! It's kinda late, so I'll just give a couple of details. There are still a good bit that is unknown to us anyway. We do know that we are adopting out of Ethiopia and hopefully will have a baby within a year. We have chosen an agency and will be getting applications in soon and beginning our homestudy I hope in the next few weeks. Please keep us in your prayers as we embark on this amazing journey. I'm going to do my best to journal throughout so be sure to check out my blog on www.therammells.com I may post them here as well on occasion. O and if you want to comment on this please do so here, and let's keep it a secret until Sunday...I think Austin's looking forward to sharing it with the congregation! Love you all!!!

Keri

Beth Moore /LPM Blog Discussion Group

I wanted to let everyone know that the LPM blog is holding a discussion group on Beth's new book "So Long Insecurity, You've Been a Bad Friend to Us". Tomorrow, Feb 9th there will be a roll call on the blog. On Feb 11th we will begin our reading assignments and the first week's discussion questions and this will continue for each Thursday for nine weeks. I picked up the book and am looking forward to participating. God has used Beth Moore's writing to give me such insights into what makes me tick and more importantly what He doesn't want ticking in me anymore :-). The Lord has begun such a work in me, and I know He will continue as His Word tells us. I'm sure before He began this work in me that I would not have blogged about participating in a book discussion on insecurity... I may have participated in the discussion but not openly. It was hard at first putting myself out there with what seemed like my endless hangups and problems, but God gave me the courage to step out of the shadow of my insecurity and let His light shine in. It has made all the difference in my life. I pray for His light to shine on all of you as you draw near to Him and let His healing hand touch you. (A link to Beth's blog is the Woman2Woman blog and BTW, Amazon is selling Beth's book for $12!)

Resist

I apologize to those of you who are keeping up with www.therammells.com for posting the same entry, just thought I'd post it here as well for those who may not visit my other blog. Here is a blog I posted last week.....hope you all are well.

Deep breath in.....now let it out.......Ok first let me say a big ole’ THANK YOU to our friends for letting us use their beach house to get away for a couple of days. The Lord never ceases to amaze us by using His people to love on us and take care of us. Austin has worked non-stop since returning from our Christmas break, and a get away was very much needed. And unfortunately in order for him to stop....we have to leave town. We just got in last night, and are already in lazy mode.

Ari crawled into the bed with us about 5 o’clock this morning. Not able to go back to sleep, I felt the Lord drawing me to His Word, so here I sit.

I was thinking about the way He challenged me this week, and wanted to share it before my mind got too distracted. I am participating in the women’s Bible study on Thursday mornings “Anointed, Transformed, and Redeemed”. The book is broken up into those three titles, and each is written by three different authors (Priscilla Shirer, Beth Moore, and Kay Arthur). We just finished the Anointed section by Priscilla and wow was it good. I try REALLY hard to stay on track and do the work every day, but I have to get up early in the morning to get it done, and, well, I’m not a morning person. So I was having to do a couple of days worth this one morning, but the timing of it was of course so God. The title for this particular day was “Opposition to the Anointing”. The first sentence that jumped out at me was about a little over halfway down on the first page. It says “We have an enemy. He seeks to divert us from the course set for us by our Father. Once we are saved, our enemy cannot destroy us, but he will work hard to distract us.” Now, I knew this, but it was pretty fresh on my mind for I had just experienced it hours before reading this. On Monday afternoon Austin and I were able to spend some time together...working, but together. The day for him had been pretty stressful and he was a wee bit grumpy and edgy. Knowing this, I ignored the invitations that were presented to have my feelings hurt or argue. I just let him vent...we all need to do that. I apologized for how aggravating his day was, and tried to love on him which helped for a few minutes. But after about 3 hours of being around his stinky attitude, he made a comment and I just whipped out my white flag of surrender and let the enemy have his way with my thoughts. I get so caught up sometimes in my own feelings that I forget about the battle I am in. Most of the time I feel like the attacks on me are to not only distract me from being the wife that God has called me to be, but to distract Austin as well. Not long after we moved here I was warned that the enemy would do anything and use anyone to take control of the Church. At the time I was having some health problems, and fighting anxiety and depression. When I heard this warning, I knew immediately that my issues were distractions that caused Austin to take his eyes off of the flock and focus on me....he was using ME and I didn’t even know it! Once I was able to convince my mind that what I was feeling was a ploy from the enemy, my symptoms went away. Understand, that I firmly believe that Ari and I come before Austin’s job, but I also have to remind myself that his job is VERY important. I love you all dearly, but I do have to pray a little harder about having as strong of a passion about you as Austin does. It’s just in him...and that passion takes him away from us a lot, so at times I resent it. It’s been really hard for me to find that line, and I’m still searching. I just know that the Lord has convicted me and always shown me when I’m getting in the way of what He is doing. It’s pretty amazing how often I fall for the same trick over and over again. I am aware, some times more than others, that our battle goes beyond us as a family. God has called Austin to shepherd, and that has proven to be quite the fight! At times I feel ill equipped not knowing what my role is in this battle. The weight of the responsibility can be a bit heavy. I get so wrapped up in my own feelings that there are moments where I feel like we’re alone. But then I look to my left and right and see the godly men and women in leadership that God has surrounded us with who are just as engaged in this battle. And then I turn around and see your faces...each fighting your own battles, but ready at any given second to help me lift the weapons that may be too heavy for me or to throw a shield up to protect Austin from a blow that he didn’t see coming. This “First Lady” is quite humbled.;)

God is doing some really awesome things at Hardin, and you better believe the Enemy is on the prowl. The challenge from this lesson was to RESIST...don’t go looking for a fight, but when it comes to you engage in battle, and stand firm against the attacks made by the enemy. We can walk in confidence because he is already defeated!! As Priscilla stated “You do not have to succumb to the bark of this dog....there’s no bite in him”.

***By the way, I started this blog on Friday morning (1/29) and am just finishing it on Tuesday (2/2). I’ve read it and reread it a hundred times...still trying to get over my insecurity!!

Life Experiences

As I have shared with some, I experienced the shock (and really how can that be?) of a crisis pregnancy when I was 18. My freshman year in college and already very busy with work, school and trying to have a social life was all brought to a halt when the line of the test turned blue. During this time my parents had just divorced and my world was already upside down I cried out to God to save me from this reality. I was devestated. My family was devistated. The Lord in His provision taught me about His love during this time when my pregnant belly squeezed into the desks at school and went through the changes that reminded me of how different life was for me now. He taught me during those days to rely on Him and His perfect love while revealing my sins to me. For a fleeting second, the daughter of a volunteer at the Crisis Pregnancy Center pondered the suggestion of a man to abort the baby. I quickly banished the thought and privately considered adoption. While adoption is a noble thing, I knew then as I know now I wouldn't take that route. After the difficulties of having a child at 18, there has never been a moment's regret in my decision and the life I have watched grow and influence my life for the better. I believe as does every parent that my daughter is special, but beyond that, she is a precious gift that I never deserved. Every time I look at her my breath catches and I think that I must be the luckiest person alive. My mother was the volunteer who administered my pregnancy test as she had for hundreds of young girls, only this time it was so personal. You can see why I am so devoted to the Crisis Pregnancy Center and the lives it saves and touches, for my daughter's is a life that was saved and touched by it.
My opportunity to give back has been throughout my career as a nurse and particularly as a labor/nursery nurse. Each life is special and each baby is special, I see them as my little girl who has brought me so much joy! My journey is just beginning with the training starting in March at the center in Gastonia and hopefully will provide the opportunity for me to be the voice of Christ to the women and girls who we see who are not so different from myself at that age, confused and looking for someone to help them make the right choice. We are all to be diciples for the Cause. " They were beaten and told no more to speak of the name of the Lord. And they ran from the Counsel (Peter and John) rejoicing that the Lord had seen fit for them to suffer dishonor for the Name of Christ." (from Acts) How can we do less?

Provision

Well, here it goes. I told Keri this morning I wanted to start posting but did feel a little intimidated by the whole prospect. I enjoyed Junction so much this morning. Thank all of you who came and made it so special. I was definitely out of my element as I delivered my talk this morning but I did feel the Lord's provision even as I testified of his great provision in my life. I love all of you and thank you for taking time out of your own life to invest in mine. I am looking forward to getting to know those of you I met for the first time today.

In Christ Alone,
Jane

The Rammells

Just wanted to let you know that I've taken over the blog on our family website. www.therammells.com If I know you are reading then maybe I'll be more disciplined about keeping it updated, so let me know!!

Keri

While grocery shopping last weekend some portabella mushrooms jumped out at me and I had to put them in my cart. Austin has created a couple of fabulous meals with them, so I was hoping he would be proud of me for buying something a little out of the ordinary for me and make something with them or at least tell me what to do with them. But as the week went on, the mushrooms still sat in the refrigerator, so I went on the hunt for a recipe and found this one. They were super easy to make and really yummy. I will be making these again. Happy Cooking!!