Monday, December 12, 2011 WOW-Zine

THIS IS PARTY WEEK, LADIES, so get your party on! You have two festive opportunities to choose from. Or if you really like to have fun upon fun, you can attend both! (That's what I'm doing!)

WEDNESDAY AT 6 PM is our Common Grounds celebration. By now you know the drill-- bring finger food, 4 dozen cookies and an extra tray if you would like to participate in the cookie exchange, and a $5 gift card. We'll have a wonderful evening together.

THURSDAY AT 9:30 AM is The Thursday Perk party time. Your job (should you care to accept it) is to bring 2 dozen cookies (extra tray), and a $5 gift card. Some women signed up to bring brunch items so we can enjoy a lovely breakfast together. My advise? Don't eat before you come! If you didn't sign up to bring food, we already have plenty, so don't worry about it. 

These two events will be the last time we officially get together until after the first of the year. The next Common Grounds is Wednesday, January 4th, and The Thursday Perk will meet the following week on the 12th. Mark your new calendars with those dates.

All these parties should really make us think about Zumba, right? Our Zumba schedule will be a bit different during the Christmas break. ZUMBA WILL MEET AS USUAL THIS WEEK. Next week only the Tuesday and Thursday 6:30 PM classes will meet. We won't meet again until the first week of January.

And now I'll leave you with a little Christmas quiz that you may want to use as a conversation starter around your dinner table this week. See how well you do! 



How well do you know the Christmas story?
Most of us know the general outline because we’ve heard or sung it or watched it being enacted in the Christmas programs that most churches offer during December. We know about the shepherds, the angels, the “Wise Men,” the star, the innkeeper, the long journey of Mary and Joseph, the baby in the manger, and we know about the gold, frankincense and myrrh. But how much of what we know is tradition and how much comes from the Bible?
For the last several years David Langerfeld, associate pastor of Harrisburg Baptist Church in Tupelo, has given a Christmas IQ test to his Sunday School class. I should warn you that this is a tough quiz. When I took it, I missed several questions. Try taking it first without checking the Bible to see how well you know the real Christmas story.
Click here to read the answers (along with a few additional comments from me).
1. Joseph was originally from... (Luke 2:3)
    A. Bethlehem
    B. Nazareth
    C. Hebron
    D. Jerusalem
    E. None of the above

2. What does the Bible say that the innkeeper said to Mary and Joseph? (Luke 2:7)
    A. “There is no room in the inn.”
    B. “I have a stable you can use.”
    C. “Come back later and I should have some vacancies.”
    D. Both A and B
    E. None of the above

3. A manger is a...
    A. Stable for domestic animals
    B. Wooden hay storage bin
    C. Feeding trough
    D. Barn

4. Which animals does the Bible say were present at Jesus’ birth?
    A. Cows, sheep, goats
    B. Cows, donkeys, goats
    C. Sheep and goats only
    D. Miscellaneous barnyard animals
    E. None of the above

5. Who saw the star in the east?
    A. Shepherds
    B. Mary and Joseph
    C. Three kings
    D. Both A and C
    E. None of the above

6. According to the Bible, how did Mary and Joseph get to Bethlehem?
    A. Camel
    B. Donkey
    C. Walked
    D. Joseph walked, Mary rode a donkey
    E. Horse-drawn chariot
    F. Who knows?

7. How many angels spoke to the shepherds? (Luke 2:10)
    A. One
    B. Three
    C. Multitude
    D. None of the above

8. What did the angels say/sing? (Luke 2:14)
    A. “Glory to God in the highest, etc.”
    B. “Alleluia”
    C. “Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given”
    D. “Joy the world, the Lord is come”
    E. “Glory to the newborn King”

9. What is a heavenly host?
    A. The angel at the gate of heaven
    B. The angel who serves refreshments in heaven
    C. An angel choir
    D. An angel army
    E. None of the above

10. There was snow that first Christmas...
    A. Only in Bethlehem
    B. All over Israel
    C. Nowhere in Israel
    D. Somewhere in Israel

11. What is frankincense?
    A. A precious metal
    B. A precious fabric
    C. A precious perfume
    D. None of the above

12. In Matthew, what does “wise men” or “Magi” refer to?
    A. Men of the educated class
    B. Eastern kings
    C. Men who studied the stars
    D. Sages

13. What is myrrh?
    A. Middle Eastern money
    B. A drink
    C. An easily shaped metal
    D. A spice used for burying people
    E. None of the above

14. How many wise men came to see Jesus?
   A. 3
   B. 6
   C. 9
   D. 12
   E. We don’t know.
15. Where did the wise men find Jesus? (Matthew 2:11)
    A. In a manger
    B. In a stable
    C. In Nazareth
    D. In Saudi Arabia
    E. In a house
    F. None of the above

16. When the wise men found Jesus he was... (Matthew 2:11)
    A. A babe wrapped in swaddling clothes
    B. A young child
    C. A boy in the temple
    D. A grown man

17. The “star in the east” that the wise men followed... (Matthew 2:9)
    A. Stayed in the same place their entire journey
    B. Disappeared and reappeared
    C. Moved ahead of them and stopped over the place where Jesus was
    D. Was just a mirage
    E. None of the above

18. The wise men stopped in Jerusalem... (Matthew 2:2)
    A. To inform Herod about Jesus
    B. To find out where Jesus was
    C. To ask about the star
    D. To buy presents
    E. None of the above

19. Where do we find the Christmas story?
    A. Matthew
    B. Mark
    C. Luke
    D. John
    E. All of the above
    F. Only A and B
    G. Only A and C
    H. Only A, B and C

20. When Joseph found Mary was pregnant, what happened?
    A. They got married
    B. Joseph wanted to break the engagement
    C. Mary left town for three months
    D. A and B
    E. B and C

21. Who told (made) Mary and Joseph go to Bethlehem? (Luke 2:1-5)
    A. The angel chorus
    B. Mary’s mother
    C. Herod
    D. The shepherds
    E. Caesar Augustus
Don’t forget to check the online answer page to see how well you did. Your comments are always welcome. 
You can reach the author at ray@keepbelieving.com. Click here to sign up for the free weekly email sermon.

Monday, December 5, 2011 Wapato Wow-Zine

I'm sitting here listening to Christmas music courtesy of Pandora while writing to you. It's hard to feel Christmas-y when I look out the window and see the sun shining so brightly, but once I step outside and take a deep breath of that chilly air it changes everything. The Christmas tree (artificial this year) is up and decorated and the living room is festooned with box after box of decorations. Getting Christmas "put up" is always a messy proposition for me. Every year I think I'll find an easier way to do it, but so far that hasn't happened. But once everything is in the right place and darkness peers in the windows to see the Christmas lights and glowing candles, it's all worthwhile.

THIS WEEK'S EVENTS:
ZUMBA Monday and Wednesday at 4:15 Pm; Tuesday and Thursday at 6:30 PM

THE THURSDAY PERK at 9:30 AM Thursday at church. We'll have a great discussion about what we can learn from Sapphira, from Acts 5:1-11. 

Christmas is coming to Women of Wapato!  You have two parties to choose from next week--Common Grounds on Wednesday night, and The Thursday Perk on Thursday morning. Both will have a lot of similarities--food, a video devotional, singing, cookie exchange and $5 gift card exchange, plus time spent with good friends. But there are some differences. COMMON GROUNDS will meet at the earlier-than-usual time of 6 PM. That means we get to eat dinner together! So bring some type of finger food to share potluck style. Bring 4 dozen cookies and an extra platter for the cookie exchange.

THE THURSDAY PERK will meet next week at its usual time of 9:30, but in addition to our cookie and gift card exchange we will also share brunch together.(We'll discuss brunch items this week.) You'll also need to bring your gift card, but only 2 dozen cookies and an extra platter. 

I'd like to leave you with a good article that found its way into my inbox this morning. 

  RECEIVE - I REPEAT - RECEIVE

by: iBloom Associate, Betsy Ringer Betsy Ringer is our speaking expert and teaches entrepreneurs and women in ministry how to develop a signature talk; she also teaches on and provides products for The Personalities as well as other vital topics. She has recently spread our iBloom touch in the west as she is making San Diego, CA her new home. Last Christmas I experienced my 24th Christmas in Kentucky. That is where we raised our family and developed our Christmas traditions. Joys, heartaches, challenges, and great love filled those years of my life. A year ago, moving to California was not on our radar. And here I am, about to experience my first Christmas in California. I’m looking at an artificial tree we just bought. For 24 years our family went to an Orchard/Winery and rode in a wagon to cut down our own fresh tree – in snow, cold, rain, sunshine. It was our tradition. Now I have a tree with lights already on it. There will only be three of us here this Christmas. In the past I had up to 15 people around for Christmas. This year I am looking at palm trees wrapped in lights and wearing short-sleeved shirts. What is this season for you? Is it carrying on with familiar events and traditions? Are your kids growing up? Is there grief you are facing? Are you just plain tired? This holiday season several friends come to mind. For one friend, this is her last Christmas. She is dying of liver cancer. Another friend is experiencing the season suddenly single after her husband of many years ended the marriage. And another friend is facing the season after bankruptcy. I know you have friends too who are experiencing a very different Christmas this year. Or maybe YOU are experiencing a season that is a little less than jolly. If this is the season you embrace a friend, loved one or stranger to help their holiday be cheerier, may the following words help you.  Or if you are the one who needs the cheer I pray you be encouraged with this simple message. Receive. Receive. Open yourself up to receive God’s grace and abundant love. When we are experiencing pain, grief, illness, change, or disappointment we tend to look back and yearn for what once was. Sometimes fear overcomes us and paralyzes us. And an invisible barrier goes up as our effort to protect ourselves but we are really just keeping out what just might bring us comfort and joy. Receive. Open yourself to receive. Receive God’s blessing – in a different form. Receive His peace and let it wash over you and through you. Receive hope for the bright tomorrow. Receive – notice – take in – the little, everyday gifts of Christmas. Allow yourself to truly experience the simple joys of the season. Let this list remind you to be open to RECEIVE:  A touch from a friend The sun breaking through the clouds A favorite song – hear the words, feel the music inside you A brightly wrapped gift – look at it, listen to the crinkle of the paper, imagine what’s inside God’s words that He is indeed with you; that hope is being born in you today; that He cares about your life eternally An unexpected blessing - a smile, a parking spot up front, a warm day, a card, a new recipe, an invitation Open yourself to receive and also to experience the moments. Let your barrier come down so you can: Taste, really allow yourself to taste, a Christmas cookie Hear the sounds around you – a crackling fire, bells, a piano, and even paper being cut, folded and taped. Watch a beloved movie like White Christmas, or Little Women and take in the scenes with wonder Enjoy a child’s excitement Sense a friend’s smile delivering love to you Look, really look, at the decorations in stores, restaurants, on houses. Receive the delight they convey. And open yourself to RECEIVE the joy of giving. Give to a friend who is grieving. Give to people who are in need. Give a hug to a dear one. Give a word of hope to someone else. And when you do, instead of crossing it off your to-do list, RECEIVE the joy of blessing someone else. The iBloom Team cares and desires to help every woman on the planet experience life to the fullest. We pray for a blessed holiday season for you no matter what stage of life you are in. We pray you will choose to receive the joys that God lays before you. We have written a book out of our own experiences of joy, grief, hardships, blessings, struggles, triumphs, and love. iChoose2 Love My Life helps people make life-giving choices in everyday life to move forward rather than be paralyzed by fear, looking back, or wishful thinking. There are 52 examples of choosing life and coaching steps to help this concept of choosing to be part of your everyday life. What a difference we have found this simple tool to make in the quality of our lives. We are convinced it will help you too!  Bless yourself and/or someone else with this brand new book!! Click here if you’d like more info or to order iChoose2 Love my Life by the iBloom Team.

Monday, November 28, 2011 WOW-Zine

Hi, ladies! It's Cyber Monday, so I figured I HAD to get this WOW-Zine out to you today. It's all things cyber, all day long. Did you know there are rules involved for Cyber Monday? You're not allowed to talk to people face-to-face, but only on the computer through email, Facebook, or Skype. No actual hugs may be given today--only ones that look like (((hugs))). No cold hard cash may be tendered for any business transaction, but only credit cards may be used.

Okay, enough of that goofy stuff--it's time to get serious. And nothing is more serious than exercise. It's as serious as a heart attack (which it may keep you from having). It's a serious as those talks your mom had with you when you were a teenager and got home after curfew. Exercise is as serious as you make it! And we don't make it very serious at our Zumba classes. Nope, we just come to have the discipline of exercising with friends at least twice a week. So get ready to ZUMBA on Monday and Wednesday at 4:15 PM, and Tuesday and Thursday at 6:30 PM.  I really need you Tues./Thurs. gals to show up. You'd been doing great for a while, but last session no one showed up but me! And that's just no fun at all. I'm very boring when I'm all by myself!

COMMON GROUNDS meets this Wednesday at 6:30 PM at the church. Remember that old childhood taunt, "Liar, liar, pants on fire"? Well, we're going to take a look at a woman who was wearing hot pants even back in Biblical times. Sapphira has a beautiful name, but her heart turned ugly for just a little while and it ended up being the death of her. Check the story out in Acts 5:1-11. We'll have a great time of sweet eats, sweet fellowship, and a look at the dark side of a good woman. Do you think you can figure out a way to wear or bring something that ties in with the story?

THE THURSDAY PERK meets next week, December 8th, at 9:30 AM at the church. We, too, will be studying Pinocchio and how his nose grew every time he told a lie. Wait, I think I got a bit mixed up! We'll actually be looking at Sapphira also, so be sure to read Acts 5:1-11.

A big thank-you is in order to you women who showed up Saturday morning to help deck the halls of the church. I guess we really concentrated much more on the sanctuary than the halls, but my, it sure looks festive at Wapato now. We'll have our annual de-decking party on Friday, December 30th, at 6 PM. Bring $5 to cover your pizza and soda, and help us put the decorations away until next year. I know it's hard to even think about taking things down when most of us haven't put things up at our house yet, but just stick it on your calendar. 

WOW CHRISTMAS PARTIES are coming soon to a Bible study near you! Wednesday, December 14th will be the celebration for Common Grounds, and the following morning, the 15th will be The Thurday Perk's time to party. We'll have a cookie exchange, a video devotional, lots of time to visit and sing carols, and a $5 gift card exchange. (I know some of you have been plotting a special White Elephant gift all year long, but save it for next year. Women's Ministry likes to shake things up a little and not do the same thing year after year.) Be watching for an Evite (another great cyber tool) to show up in your mail sometime this week. 

Schedule for Common Grounds:

November  30th
December 14th
January 4th and 18th
February 1st, 15th, and 29th
March 14th
April 4th and 18th
May 2nd and 16th
 

Schedule for The Thursday Perk:
December 8th and 15th (yes, two weeks in a row)
January 12th and 26th
February 9th and 23rd                                         
March 8th and 22nd
April 5th and 26th
May 10th and 17th (yes, two weeks in a row)

Let me leave you with this thought from iBloom, a cyber magazine with great ideas for Christian women:

Get Mentally Prepared for the Holiday Season

The holiday season is spreading its wings before us. Maybe you have a childlike excitement about the upcoming holidays. Maybe you picture fun family times, laughter with friends, delectable smells, and memorable activities. Or maybe what’s on your radar is an overwhelming to-do list, expectations that are much more than you can handle, or memories that haunt you.

However you perceive the upcoming season, we encourage you to take a little time to prepare. Here are just a few steps to help you:

1. Know God’s presence. Stop throughout your day to sense God with you. Pray simple prayers throughout the day, “Thank you Jesus,” “I know you are with me, Lord,” “Grant me wisdom in this moment,” “My heart overflows with gratefulness.”
2. Think ahead about how you want this season to be memorable. Think ahead to January 1, 2012 – what will make you smile when you think back over the holiday season? Then focus on just 1-3 of those things to make your holidays memorable rather than busy and overstuffed.
3. Choose one person, family or project you can support (just one); plan one event that you would really like to go to (just one); and think of one activity that you want to focus on and look forward to (just one).  By choosing and limiting what we do, we can savor and truly experience the satisfying moments of the holiday season.

iBloom has a couple resources to help you make the upcoming season memorable. We have a new product called “Making Family Time Fun: Savoring Holiday Moments and EVERYDAY Experiences with Your Family” and our November iBloom Membership call, “iChoose2 Thrive During the Holidays: Making the Holidays Memorable.” We hope these opportunities will help make the holiday season more relaxed and joyful for you!

Sherrie Ashcraft, Women's Ministry Director

sherrieashcraft@yahoo.com   971-285-6699 

 

Monday, November 21, 2011 Wapato WOW-Zine

Welcome to Thanksgiving Week, ladies. It's the start of an especially busy time of the year for most of us. I hope we're all able to slow down enough to take time to really think about the many, many blessings the Lord has showered on us this past year. We have so much to be thankful for, don't we? Sometimes it's just hard to see it! If you're a Facebook user you've probably seen all the people that are listing something every day that they're thankful for. Whether you do that, or have a piece of paper beside your bed that you can jot something down that you're grateful for every night before you go to sleep, or whether you just keep a running list in your heart and mind, be sure to take time to thank our Heavenly Father for all He has done for you, to you, and through you this year.

Because this is Thanksgiving week, our activities will be pared down a bit. ZUMBA meets today only. (4:15) You'll have to work your Thanksgiving dinner off on your own, but join us next week for our usual Zumba schedule of Monday/Wednesday at 4:15 and Tuesday/Thursday at 6:30. 

This Saturday at 10 AM is our annual WOW Christmas decorating event . If you love to hang the ornaments just so, or drape the swags in just the right way, you're just who we're looking for! Or if you're like me and simply able to move a box of decorations from one room to another, just show up to help. We'll have some Christmas music playing, and maybe you'll want to drive through Scoggins Coffee and pick up a mocha to get you going. We'd love to see you there.

The next Common Grounds is November 30th, and The Thursday Perk will meet the following week, December 8th. We're going to jump over to a story in the New Testament (yes, there are Bad Girls there too!) and take a gander at a woman named Sapphira. You may not be quite so familiar with this story as some of the other ones we've covered, but it's a very interesting one. Read Acts 5:1-11 to prepare for this story. What to wear? Well, I don't really know on this one. Read it through and use your vivid imagination to come up with something that somehow ties in to this story. I know you can do it!

Schedule for Common Grounds: November  30th
December 14th
January 4th and 18th
February 1st, 15th, and 29th
March 14th
April 4th and 18th
May 2nd and 16th

Schedule for The Thursday Perk:
December 8th and 15th    
January 12th and 26th
February 9th and 23rd                                         
March 8th and 22nd
April 5th and 26th
May 10th and 17th


Don't forget our Christmas parties coming up soon! Common Grounds will be on December 14th, and The Thursday Perk on December 15th. We'll have a great time celebrating Christ's birth together. At both events we'll have a cookie exchange, $5 gift card exchange, and a video devotional. Plus lots of laughter and love. So put it on your calendar and don't miss out!


And don't forget, if you're interested in participating in an on-going coupon exchange, give Nicole Paz a call. She'd like to start this to help stretch your dollars.

I wish you all a most wonderful Thanksgiving. May you cherish your time with family and friends, and bask in the Lord's goodness to you.

Sherrie Ashcraft, Wapato's Women's Ministry Director
sherrieashcraft@yahoo.com   971-285-6699  

Tuesday, November 15, 2011 Wapato WOW-Zine

Welcome, ladies, to an abbreviated WOW-Zine for this week. I don't mean I'm not going to spell all the words out, BTW, (oops, just abbreviated!) but that this will be short and to the point. I'm feeling under the weather today, but I should be fine by tomorrow.

If you're worried about Zumba today, don't be. Though I don't feel good enough to attend, my husband will open up the church and get the video set up, then leave and come back again when the class is over. That's at 6:30 today and Thursday. And don't forget Mondays and Wednesdays at 4:15. Next week, which is Thanksgiving week, Zumba will only be held on Monday.


Common Grounds meets tomorrow night, Wednesday, at 6:30 at the church. Remember what Bad Girl we're studying this time? You're right--Lot's Wife. There's a lot of good puns that can be made about her--think one up and share it with us Wednesday. Read through her terrible story in Genesis 19 and bring/wear something that has to do with salt.

Because Thanksgiving is next Thursday, I'm moving The Thursday Perk up to this week. So Common Grounds and The Thursday Perk will be back-to-back. I hope I don't run into myself coming and going! We enjoy coffee and snacks beginning at 9:30 AM. Your assignment is the same as noted in the paragraph above.

Keep in mind the Christmas parties coming up for both these groups. The one for Common Grounds will be on Wednesday, December 14th at our usual time of 6:30 PM. We'll have a cookie exchange (bring 4 dozen cookies and an extra platter to take cookies home) as well as a $5 gift card to give away in a gift card exchange. The Thursday Perk will celebrate the following morning, December 15th, at 9:30, also having a cookie and gift card exchange.

Speaking of exchanges, Nicole Paz has come up with a wonderful idea for all of you who would like to save a bit of money--a coupon exchange. She's not going to take it to the length some of those people do on Extreme Couponing on television, but she's got a good idea of how to get together and exchange coupons you don't use for those someone else might have that you want! This group would probably meet once a month. If you're interested in doing a little clipping and a lot of saving, contact Nicole at pazprincess@gmail.com or call her at 503-703-0069.

 Schedule for Common Grounds:
November 2nd ,16th , and 30th
December 14th
January 4th and 18th
February 1st, 15th, and 29th
March 14th
April 4th and 18th
May 2nd and 16th

Schedule for The Thursday Perk:
November 10th and 17th
December 8th and 15th    
January 12th and 26th
February 9th and 23rd                                         
March 8th and 22nd
April 5th and 26th
May 10th and 17th

I hope to see all of you at one or the other of the studies this week. I promise I'll be feeling fine!

Sherrie Ashcraft, Wapato's Women's Ministry Director
sherrieashcraft@yahoo.com    971-285-6699 

Tuesday, November 8, 2011 Wapato WOW-Zine

So, what do you think of the end of Daylight Savings Time so far? Is it easier to get the kids down to bed because it gets dark earlier? Or are they waking up at 6 AM because it's already light outside? This change, like most others, has both pros and cons, but hopefully you find a way to make it work for you. 

THE THURSDAY PERK meets this week at 9:30 AM. I'd tell you which day of the week we meet, but it's so obvious I'm afraid you might pelt me with rotten tomatoes or something! Use scissors or hair in whatever you wear that morning as we take a look at that Bad Girl, Delilah. Read Judges 16 in preparation for our study. I can promise you a good time. (Just ask anyone who was at Common Grounds last week!) Upcoming Perks are November 17th,(because our usual day would land on Thanksgiving, and somehow I think we all already have plans) and December 1st and 15th. On that morning (the 15th) we'll have a special Christmas brunch, cookie exchange, and Christmas video.) Because of the Christmas holiday season, we won't meet again until January 12th. Oh, the Gaston School District does not have classes this Thursday, so if you need to bring older children along with you, feel free. Just have them bring a book or games or something to keep them occupied in a side room during our study.

COMMON GROUNDS meets next Wednesday, the 16th, at 6:30 PM. Which Bad Girl will we take a look at then? How about that upstanding pillar of the community, Mrs. Lot? You'll find  a "Lot" of things to think about as you read through Genesis 19:1-29. It's a sordid story with "Lots" (sorry, I couldn't help myself!) of troubling aspects to it. Not a feel-good Hallmark movie by any means. But you know what? There's some interesting lessons for us in there. So, try to figure out a way to work "salt" into your wardrobe for that evening. Or just bring your favorite set of salt and pepper shakers! Upcoming Common Grounds are November 16th and 30th, and December 14th. We'll take a break during the Christmas season and meet again on January 4th.

Were you thinking of starting ZUMBA this Wednesday? If so, think again, because the Wednesday class is cancelled this week due to scheduling difficulties. But you do have the option of attending tonight, TUESDAY, or THURSDAY at 6:30 PM. Last week four new gals showed up on Thursday and though they didn't know the steps, they still had fun. And I let them borrow the beginner's CD so they could practice at home. When they show up tonight they'll have more of an idea of what to expect. So see, you can join in at any time whether you have previous Zumba experience or not!

Thankfulness for Thanksgiving

Sarah Hamaker, Crosswalk.com Contributing Writer

A walk through a JC Penney department store in late October proclaimed the Christmas holiday in full swing. Garlands with red and green balls dangled from the ceiling and Santa references adorned walls and displays. One would think December 25 mere days away instead of eight-plus weeks in the future. 

With more retailers pushing Christmas by putting up decorations and advertising holiday items before Halloween, the November holiday of Thanksgiving has been pushed to the margins of our busy lives. “I think what has happened is that we have put the ‘holidays’ into one big blob,” says Judy Christie, author of Hurry Less, Worry Less at Christmas: Having the Holiday Season You Long For. “ We tend to always be looking ahead — we don’t enjoy each moment the way we could. … It’s really part of our culture to rush ahead.”

First Thanksgiving
Over the years, the original religious meaning of Thanksgiving has been vanishing from the day, along with its place as a separate holiday. Today’s Thanksgiving feasts now usually consists of lots of food, fellowship and football. Less emphasis is on thanking God for his good providence in the lives of the participants. This is a marked departure from the early celebrations, which were tied to gratitude of God’s mercy and provision.

Indeed, the whole purpose of the first Thanksgiving was to give thanks to God for a successful corn harvest. On a November day in 1621, Pilgrims from Plymouth Colony in Massachusetts invited the Wampanoag Indians to share a feast. That celebration, which became known as America’s first Thanksgiving, was followed by a second celebration two years later to give thanks to God after the end of a long drought. Throughout the New England colonies from that time onward, days of thanksgiving and fasting to God were held annually or occasionally.

In 1789, President George Washington established the new nation’s first Thanksgiving. Twenty-eight years later, New York was the first state to officially mark an annual Thanksgiving holiday. In 1863, during the midst of the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln established Thanksgiving as a national holiday the last Thursday in November.

That practice continued until 1939 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt switched Thanksgiving to a week earlier in an effort to jumpstart retail sales for the Christmas holidays during the Great Depression. However, backlash against the change had Roosevelt signing a bill in 1941 to move the holiday back to the fourth Thursday in November, where it resides to this day.

“Thanksgiving is one of the purest holidays,” says William Thrasher, a graduate professor of Bible and theology at Moody Bible Institute and author of Putting God Back in the Holidays. “Thanksgiving doesn’t have the clutter that other holidays have.”
The day set aside to give thanks has no presents or much in the way of decorations associated with the holiday. “We should consider Thanksgiving as the beginning of the season of celebrating God’s abundance. We should treat Thanksgiving as a day of conversation and family time,” says Christie.

A Thankful Heart
Lately, people have begun viewing Thanksgiving as the beginning of the Christmas holidays. Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be a “negative trigger” for the approaching Christmas season, says Christie. “I like to think of it as the perfect day to change your outlook.”

With a little planning and thought, we can turn Thanksgiving into an attitude check for the rest of the year. “Thanksgiving heralds a really special time of the year,” says Christie. “We can use preparations for Thanksgiving as a way to identify what our priorities are and make decisions that align with our priorities.”

She suggests making a list now about how you want Thanksgiving and Christmas to look and feel like. “Think about how you want your year to end,” says Christie. “Thanksgiving is the start of a season full of joy and peace, so jot down some words to describe the season and write down what you’re thankful for.”

Here are some more ways to recapture the true meaning of Thanksgiving.

Focus on praise. Giving God praise can take the spotlight off of ourselves. “Scripture says we should praise God,” says Thrasher. He recommends using Bible verses, such as those from Romans 5 and 8, and Ephesians 1, to “prime the pump” of praise.

Expect things to go right. How many times do we approach Thanksgiving and Christmas thinking about all the things that could go wrong? Reorienting our thinking can make the season less stressful and more meaningful. “I’m a big believer in getting rid of Murphy’s Law that says ‘anything that can go wrong, will go wrong,’” says Christie. “How many of us focus on that instead of teaching our families to focus on anything that can go right, will go right?”

Write thank-you notes. Use November to write letters of thanks to those who have done something for you that you appreciated. Even children can find this activity rewarding, and you may be pleasantly surprised at what they are thankful for.

Have a prayer of thanksgiving before meals. Asking God to bless our food and families might seem like a no-brainer, but can be one of the things lost in our busy days. “That’s very simple, but in our rushed lives, it’s very easy to overlook,” says Christie.

Hold off on Christmas decorations. Don’t put up Christmas decorations until after Thanksgiving. “Doing Christmas decorating earlier doesn’t allow you time to savor Thanksgiving,” says Christie.

Count your blessings. Even if things are less-than-ideal now, most of us have things—both big and small—for which we can give thanks. “Two years ago on the day before Thanksgiving, my daughter was in an accident that nearly took her life,” says Cherilyn Fienen of Independence, Kan. “So the following year, I made a very big deal about Thanksgiving to celebrate the anniversary and to give thanks for her life.”

Give of yourself. Whether it’s helping out a neighbor or fellow church member in need or volunteering at a soup kitchen, serving others “makes our time more fulfilling and meaningful,” says Christie. Even if you can’t give monetarily, giving of your time can be a blessing to others during the holiday season.

Putting Thanksgiving in its proper place can help us to enter the Christmas season with a more joyful and relaxed attitude. “Thanksgiving is something we have to embrace ourselves,” says Fienen. “We have to make it as big and special as Christmas with our own Thanksgiving traditions and fun.”

“Even on our worst days, most of us have been given more than many people in the world,” reminds Christie. “I think Thanksgiving is an important day because it allows us to say ‘thank you’ to God for all we have been given.”

Sarah Hamaker is a freelance writer and editor, and author of Hired @ Home: The Christian Mother's Guide to Working From Home. She lives in Fairfax, Va., with her husband and four children, and is looking forward to savoring Thanksgiving with her family. Visit her at www.sarahhamaker.com.

Okay, ladies, that's it for this week!

Sherrie Ashcraft, Wapato's Women's Ministry Director
sherrieashcraft@yahoo.com     971-285-6699 
 

Tuesday, November 1, 2011 WOW-Zine

Ladies, have you taken a few moments to enjoy the view today? No, I'm not talking about the TV show, but of God's wondrous gift of beauty to us. I drove into McMinnville this morning, thoroughly appreciating the way the trees have turned various hues as they've been kissed by the breath of Fall. Days like this make my spirit soar, and I hope you're having that kind of experience too.

ZUMBA ALERT! We will have class tonight at 6:30, but there is no class on Thursday, as we have a Women's Ministry Team meeting that night and there's no one to run the DVD for class. So come tonight, and then again next week. Plus you always have the option of coming on Monday or Wednesday at 4:15. Some of us were comparing notes yesterday and several were mentioning the weight loss they've experienced since starting Zumba. So if you're looking to lose a few, or just tone up, this is a wonderful way to make it happen.

COMMON GROUNDS--Yep, it's already been two weeks since our last time together. This Wednesday at 6:30 we'll be delving into Delilah. Read Judges chapter 16 ahead of time, and then come for an evening of shear enjoyment. I'll try not to be too much of a cut up as we try to figure this lady out. But hairs the deal--you're encouraged to make hair or scissors part of your ensemble for the evening. Be creative and have fun with it. And perhaps someone can give free haircuts at the end of the night!

CHRISTMAS IS COMING! I'm not trying to freak you out, but today's the first of November, which means next month is Christmas. It's not too early to be thinking about gifts for your loved ones. A fun way to find some out-of-the-ordinary gifts is by attending the Holiday Food and Gift Festival at the Portland Convention Center this Saturday, November 5th. Unless you bought tickets on-line last week through livingsocial.com, they are $16 at the door. If you're interested in going, please let me know. I'll have a signup sheet available at Common Grounds tomorrow night, and if you're not there, just send me an email or a phone call if you want to go. Neva, I already have you down!
  
THE THURSDAY PERK meets next week at 9:30 AM. We've got a wonderful group of ladies showing up for that study. (To prepare for next week, read Judges 16 and use scissors or hair in what you wear.) I love how we are growing closer to each other as we open up and share what God is teaching us as we go through these Bible studies. 

UPCOMING EVENTS--It's not too soon be thinking about our WOW Christmas Party on Wednesday, December 14th and The Thursday Perk Christmas Brunch on December 15th. These will both be special times as each group of ladies gets together for food, a cookie exchange (for those who would like to participate), and a fresh look at the meaning of Christmas.

And start planning for our Spring Retreat the weekend of April 13th-15th in Lincoln City. We'll be back at that wonderful beach house we stayed in last year. All women will be staying at the house (no motels this year) and our attendees will be capped at 40. Keep watching for more information.  

Sherrie Ashcraft, Wapato's Women's Ministry Director
sherrieashcraft@yahoo.com    971-285-6699  

Tuesday, October 25, 2011 Wapato WOW-Zine

Hello, ladies! It's that time of the week again (which is so much better than "that time of the month") to let you know what's going on for the Women Of Wapato.

If you were at church on Sunday you heard the announcement that the Tuesday/Thursday Zumba was on hold. The reason for that was that for three weeks in a row there had been at least one day each week where no one but myself had shown up. It was disheartening to work my schedule around being there and ending up having no friends join me! But several of you talked to me after church and told me you'll be there, so we will have ZUMBA on Tuesday and Thursday (yes, today) at 6:30. Classes also meet at 4:15 on Monday and Wednesday. This truly is a great way to get in shape, which is important as we head into the holiday eating season! 


The Thursday Perk meets this week at 9:30. Don't forget to wear RED. (Yes, I'm talking to you, Karen!) We had a wonderful discussion last week at Common Grounds as we studied the story of Rahab the Harlot. It was amazing what we were able to learn from her! Please read Joshua chapter 2 and chapter 6 so you'll know what we're talking about.

We'll take a close look at Delilah next week at Common Grounds, meeting at 6:30. Read Judges 16 to refresh your memory about the story of Samson and Delilah. And can you guess what our theme will be? I think we'd have to go with hair and scissors, so find a way to incorporate one or the other (or both) into your wardrobe that evening. 
  
Which leads us right into this article I came across this week. I hope it encourages you in the "bad hair" days of your life!

Learning to Praise on Bad Hair Days by Shannon Perry

Have you ever had a "bad hair" day?  I am not referring to the kind that the curling iron can cure, but to those days when events in your life seem unbelievable.

 

It was Sunday and I was running late for a concert.  I was due for a sound check in thirty minutes and the church was forty five minutes from my home.  I was fifteen minutes into my commute when I realized I had forgotten a significant piece of music that I needed for the event.   A friend of mine had a copy, so I called him and quickly drove to his office.  As I jumped out of my car in a panic, I quickly shut the door.  You guessed it!  My keys were hanging from the ignition and all of the doors were locked. Not only was I certain to miss the sound check, it would be a miracle if I made the concert.

My friend called a wrecker to get the keys out of my car while I called the church to let them know about my delay.  Forty five minutes later, the wrecker driver arrived with "slim Jim" in hand.  As he worked on one side of the car, my friend walked around to the other side.  With a loud shout of disbelief, he suddenly screamed, "Shannon!" He then put his hand through the window that was down on the other side of the car.  My first reaction was shock, and then I laughed uncontrollably.  The wrecker driver shook his head in disbelief, and refused to take payment for his visit.  I quickly thanked my friend, apologized for any inconvenience, and jumped into my car.  I arrived at the church in time for the concert, and the congregation enjoyed a great laugh as I explained my delay.

How many times have you felt "locked out" of solutions that you needed for your life?  Maybe the opposite is true.  Maybe you feel locked inside of a situation that seems hopeless and you need a "wrecker driver" to get you out.  I have learned that Jesus is the ultimate deliverer.  There were two men in the Bible who certainly found this to be true as well. 

In Acts 16, Paul and Silas were definitely having what most of us would consider a VERY "bad hair" day.  Beaten and unjustly thrown into prison for worshiping the living God, Paul and Silas were placed in chains and under very tight security. 

Instead of complaining, however,  they began singing praises to God while sitting in their chains. Praises in prison?  I don't know about you, but it is often difficult for me to get over myself and sing praises to God when I am having a "bad hair" day, much less when I am treated unfairly.  These men, however, knew a secret to overcoming difficulties.  They took their eyes off their circumstances, and put them completely onto God.  As they were singing in their cell, an earthquake came and their prison doors were opened.  Although they could have immediately escaped, they stayed along with all of the other prisoners.  Because of their example of faith, the jailer and his family gave their life to Christ.

Maybe you need an "earthquake" today.  You have found yourself in a prison, and you don't know how to sing praises on your "bad hair" days.  Your prison may not seem significant to others, but it weighs you down and keeps you from God's best.  How can we receive our "earthquake?"   How can we have victory during our "bad hair" days?  The same way that Paul and Silas did.  They found the key to their prison doors through praise. Praise is the prayer that changes everything.  Praise keeps our minds on Christ and off our circumstances.  Praise releases the power of God to work in our circumstances.

Whether our prison is created by injustice or by our own hands, God longs for us to live a life of freedom in Him.  When "bad hair" days come and you hear the slam of the prison door, begin to thank God that He knows the way out.   We can take refuge in the One who still opens prison doors and sets captives free.  As a result, our victories become encouraging to others and our "bad hair" days become great days of praise.

Originally posted April 13, 2010.

Shannon Perry is a speaker/singer whose new If The Shoe Fits women's conferences combine her teaching prowess with her musical talent.  Perry's new music CD entitled The Real Thing (produced by Lifeway writer/producer Paul Marino) features songs specifically written to fit in with the theme of the conferences.  Perry wrote the bulk of the original presentation in hospital waiting rooms while her husband was undergoing cancer treatment.  Perry earned her Master's Degree in Education with an emphasis in counseling and taught in the public school system for over fourteen years before entering into full-time ministry.  She has previously-released music projects with both Daywind and Benson Records which garnered radio airplay on the national Christian charts.  She has performed with the Houston Symphony and has even appeared at Carnegie Hall.  She has been a featured soloist at the J&J Music Conferences in Houston, Texas, and led praise and worship at numerous women's conferences and for the national Lifeway conferences held annually in New Mexico and North Carolina. For more information, visit http://www.shannonperry.com/ 

Sherrie Ashcraft, Wapato's Women's Ministry Director

sherrieashcraft@yahoo.com   971-285-6699 

 

Tuesday, October 18, 2011 Wapato WOW-Zine

ARE YOU SEEING RED??
You will be this Wednesday night if you join the rest of us at Common Grounds for our study of the Bad Girls of the Bible. This week Rahab the Harlot takes her turn under our spiritual microscope. In keeping with the theme of the evening please wear something red. You'll also want to have "read" the Bible passages of Joshua Chapter 2 and Chapter 6. I hope you'll be "ready" to join us at 6:30 PM at the church.

ARE YOU SEEING BLUE??
You will be this Friday if you forget about our Game Night, beginning at 6:30 at the church. We always have so much fun at this event that you'll really be feeling blue if you miss it. Show up with a snack to help keep us fortified during an evening of various table games. Bring your favorite games--we'll have at least six tables set up so we'll have room for a variety. Apples to Apples, Yahtzee, Pictionary--bring anything you like. And if you'd like to be really comfy, feel free to wear your jammies!

ARE YOU SEEING BLACK??
You will be Saturday on the soles of your socks if the high school gym floor is dirty for the Sock Hop. This event promises to be fun for the whole family. Show up at 5:30 for an evening of great music, 50's-style. Bring potluck food and dress like a character from Grease. For more info, check out the weekly announcements. (If you can help set up ahead of time, please give Becky a call right away. 503-985-3351)

ARE YOU SEEING PURPLE??
If you are, you need to have your eyes examined as that's just not normal! And it has nothing to do with next week's Thursday Perk. We're always a week behind what is studied at Common Grounds, so refer to the first paragraph of this WOW-Zine to see what you're supposed to read and wear next week. Feel free to bring friends to our 9:30 AM meeting at the church. If you need a sitter for preschool children, please let me know and I can arrange for that.  

ARE YOU SEEING GREEN?
You will be if you come to Zumba and get your motor revved up so you can go, go, go! Free classes are held at the church at 4:15 PM Monday and Wednesday and 6:30 PM Tuesday and Thursday.  

AND NOW, A SPECIAL ARTICLE FOR ALL YOU MOMS OUT THERE:

The Stress and Strain of Being Supermom

By Rebecca Hagelin

Several years ago, my friend Kim fit the profile of a young “supermom” perfectly. You know, the one who looks like a million dollars, has time for the gym and weekly manis and pedis, volunteers as soccer team-mom for her daughter, and is a top-producer for her company.  While other moms struggled in the back-to-school frenzy to find washable Crayola markers—classic colors, 10 count, not 8, mind you--plus red plastic folders with pockets, and more, Kim had it under control.  All supplies sorted, bagged, and delivered to the classroom ahead of time. And she kept up that pace all year long.

She was a supermom to be envied. Or so it seemed.

Inside, however, she struggled with depression, anxiety, and insomnia. She was driven to succeed in all corners of her world---but her drive propelled her right past the small joys in life.  Intent on fulfilling her own high expectations—whether as mom, wife, employee, team player, you name it—she expended great energy juggling those roles, satisfied with nothing less than a perfect performance.

It turns out that the supermom cape doesn’t wear so well in real life.

A new study by researchers at the University of Washington found that “supermoms” (women who project the image---and believe the myth---that they can juggle children, home, husband, career and volunteer work with perfection) end up more depressed than other moms.

One researcher, Katrina Leupp, put the problem this way: “"Ascribing to an ideal that women can do it all… increased the level of depressive symptomscompared to women who were more skeptical of whether or not work and family can be balanced."

Working hard is a great American value. But the Supermom syndrome fails women. It creates the unachievable expectation that perfection in everything is not only possible but also necessary--right now, all it at once, in every arena. It creates an internal pressure cooker where the threat of failure simmers below the surface and genuine happiness and peace evaporate.

As Kim learned, it’s a recipe for depression, discouragement, and unhappiness.

How to Save Your Family: Be a “Real Mom” not Supermom.

Remember, Supermom is a cartoon character.

The University of Washington researchers found that the moms who were happiest were those who held a realistic view of the challenges of combining work and family. They knew the juggling act was tough, so they adjusted their lives to fit that reality.

What does that mean in real life?

First, take off the rose-colored glasses and assess your life realistically.  What are your family’s priorities?  Do your activities and time spent match those priorities? Or is the time you spend scattered over a multitude of less important tasks, while your most important relationships go untended? Resolve to give your best time and energy to those who matter most: God and family. Be willing to make changes---scaling back on less important commitments, reducing work hours—to reflect your real priorities.

Second, embrace your own imperfect reality.  Special needs children? Single parent? Financial struggles?  Mental health or physical illness? Your own temperament and imperfections? Your life’s script unfolds with unique characters and an original plotline---how you spend time and invest yourself will reflect your own messy, imperfect reality. This is how it’s meant to be, for you, right now. Accept with peace what you can’t change, and work diligently to change the important things that are within your power to affect.

Third, don’t compare yourself to other “more perfect” moms.  Everyone struggles.  Some challenges remain hidden from the public eye and others are much more visible.  Have confidence that you can handle your unique situation—don’t add the burden of imagining that someone else would do it better.

Finally, rediscover the richness of life—family life in particular—woven into small acts of service, mundane tasks, and daily routines. Make it a point to notice, enjoy and savor the every day “little” things your children do. Be there for the daily life, not just the “big” events.

And that mental Supermom cape? Put it away until later this month when Halloween arrives – and then discard it for good on November 1^st along with all the other nutty costumes!

Rebecca Hagelin outlines her vision for parenting in 30 Ways in 30 Days to Save Your Family.

(c) 2010 Rebecca Hagelin. www.howtosaveyourfamily.com.

Sherrie Ashcraft, Wapato's Women's Ministry Director

sherrieashcraft@yahoo.com   971-285-6699 

 

Tuesday, October 11, 2011 Wapato WOW-Zine

What's up with the weather today? First it rains, then it "suns", then it does both at the same time! Quite the metaphor for life, don't you think? Sometimes we're living in a phase of pouring rain and we feel like we're drowning. Other times life is perfect and the sun glorious. And every now and then we experience times when we feel like we're so soaked we'll never be dry again, and yet at the same time, we're basking in the glory and love of God. Whatever weather pattern is happening in your life today, I pray you realize that God is enough.

Women of Faith this past weekend at the Rose Garden was a wonderful experience for the fifteen of us that were able to attend. Start planning ahead for next year's event, which will be the first weekend of October. If you set aside $5 a week you'll have enough money by Spring.  My goal is to have 25 women related to Wapato attend next year. We were challenged by the speakers, lifted into worship, and laughed and cried together. Plus had a mini slumber party at the motel Friday night!


The Thursday Perk meets this Thursday from 9:30 to 11 AM at the church. Our Bad Girl of the Bible for this week is Eve, the Mother of All Bad Girls! Your assignment, should you care to accept it (which I'm sure you do), is to read Genesis 2:15 through Chapter 3. This study generated a lot of discussion at Common Grounds last week, so be prepared! This is also your chance to incorporate something from the Bible passage into your attire for the morning, be it apples, leaves, snakes, etc.

Remember Zumba at 4:15 on Mondays and Wednesdays, and 6:30 Tuesdays and Thursdays. Sweat with the Oldies--I'm talking about me, not Richard Simmons--and work off some of your pent-up aggressions! 

 Next week Common Grounds meets on Wednesday at 6:30 PM at the church. We're having great discussions as we plow through familiar stories about different women in the Bible, and in the process discover things we have in common with some of these Bad Girls and may want to change! Wear something red and join us as we look into the life of Rahab the prostitute. You'll want to read the Bible section beforehand--Joshua 2 and Joshua 6. Yes, that's two whole chapters, so get started now!

Game Night is coming! Friday, October 21st from 6:30 to ? we'll be having a pah-tay at the church. This is for women only, as no one else is allowed to have as much fun as we do! Bring your favorite game and a snack to share. We'll have the tables set up around the room so various games can be going on at the same time. We always have a great time at this event, but it will be even better if you're there! 

Prayer Needs:
1) Carol Fones had surgery yesterday and is doing well last I heard. She will be at Tuality Hospital until Thursday or Friday.

2) We need to continue to pray for Gonzala Lira as she continues her radiation treatments. If you can give her a ride to Forest Grove on weekday afternoons, give her daughter Lucy a call at 503-715-7774.

Sherrie Ashcraft, Wapato's Women's Ministry Director
sherrieashcraft@yahoo.com    971-285-6699  

Tuesday, October 4, 2011 WOW-Zine

Did you all remember that I'm starting to send the WOW-Zine out on Tuesdays now? I sure hope that yesterday none of you said to yourself, "I'm going to wait until the WOW-Zine comes today to sit down with a cup of coffee and a piece of chocolate" thinking that it would arrive at any minute, and now you're mad at me because you had to wait all these extra hours, and it put you in a crummy mood and you were mad at your husband and vexed with your kids and it's all my fault!! Sorry, but I gave you fair warning last week!

Common Grounds meets this Wednesday, October 5th from 6:30 to 8 PM. We will continue our study of Bad Girls of the Bible by taking a look at the First Bad Girl, Eve. Please read the scripture about her found in Genesis 2:15 through all of Chapter 3. Remember that this year we are trying to wear or bring something that ties in with the woman we're studying. Now it's probably not a good idea for us to show up in our birthday suits like Eve did, but perhaps you can incorporate leaves or apples into your accessories that evening. It's just fun to see how creative you can get! 

The Thursday Perk meets next Thursday, October 13th, from 9:30-11 AM. We will follow the same program that Common Grounds does this week, so get those apples polished and don't forget to iron your leaves!

ZUMBA!!

Bring your friends and join us on Monday and Wednesday at 4:15 PM AND/OR Tuesday and Thursday at 6:30 PM for an opportunity to move and grove in a Latin dance exercise class. Anyone can attend, even if you have no rhythm. It's just fun to workout together and encourage each other in our efforts to take better care of ourselves.

ARE YOU GAME? Our first Game Night of the year is Friday, October 21st at the church. Show up at 6:30 with a snack to share, as well as your favorite game. We'll have the tables set up so various games can be going on at the same time. This is always a fun, laid-back event filled with laughter (like most things we do around here!) and you'll be sorry if you miss this evening.

Remember the suggested fall activities I had for you last week from crosswalk.com? Here are a few more ideas:

6. Google the state parks around you and plan for a 30 minute "hike." To keep kids entertained, we tell them look out for banana slugs, squirrels, birds, or lizards. We make a big deal when they find one.  It keeps them walking and busy. Distance is not the goal. Just time together.

7. Have a leaf "boat race" at a nearby creek. Drive to a nearby creek and just walk down to the water and throw pebbles. Then, each pick a leaf and float them downstream for a fun race. Be sure to pack bring an extra pair of dry socks and shoes.

8. Grab some sweatshirts and picnic on the beach. The beach is breezy at this time, but so very quiet and beautiful.  The ocean becomes backdrop for food, pastries, coffee, and sand toys (books for the older kids.)

9. Train Ride. Take a train ride together and walk to a nearby sandwich shop or cafe. Surprise your kids with some an inexpensive toy (Hotwheels are great, as are coloring books).

10. Play tourist. Grab a tourist book from your library and take in the sites. Take lots of pictures, buy candied apples and enjoy an ice cream cone. What tourists do best is to enjoy wasting time. Some of our most memorable family adventures, like ferry rides, wondering along the waterfront, have come from pretending to be tourists during the fall, when there are very few tourists.

No matter what you do, keep it simple. Focus on whatever is restful and spend time with each other.

After a tough work week, wouldn't it be great to enjoy a God-inspired finale: rest?

PRAYER REQUESTS
Here's a chance for you to let me know about any praises or prayer requests that you would like all the women to be praying about for you. I won't put your needs on here unless I have your permission. We can support each other through the week as we remember to pray. 
1. Gonzala Lira is continuing her journey through breast cancer and has several more weeks of radiation ahead of her. Her daughter Lucy is looking for help bringing Gonzala from Gaston to Forest Grove Monday afternoons through Friday as she travels for radiation treatment.  She needs to be in F.G. at 1:30 pm.  She has four weeks left, and right now she's been taking Ride Connection, but she has to wait 2 hours before the appointment and she doesn’t have a lot of energy. If you are able to assist with this, please call Lucy at 503-715-7774.  Please continue to keep our sister in prayer. 

2. Carol Fones has surgery scheduled for this coming Monday. She currently has bronchitis and needs to be over that in order for the surgery to take place. Please pray for peace and comfort as she goes through this time, and for rapid recovery from the surgery.

This WOW-Zine can also be found on-line at www.womenofwapato.blogspot.com.
Feel free to leave any comments there.

Sherrie Ashcraft, Wapato's Women's Ministry Director
sherrieashcraft@yahoo.com    971-285-6699