As I'm writing this, the winter sun is streaming through my office window. It almost looks like it could be Spring out there. Yet, the weathermen are saying we've got a snow and ice storm coming in tomorrow. I guess that makes me appreciate today's weather even more. That's what we should do with the events in our life--enjoy those sweet, warm times when everything is going well, knowing that the wintry blasts that test our faith may be headed our way. I'm glad to know God's in charge of it all.
We had a great time at Common Grounds last week and I think we were all challenged to start our days by awakening our souls. That's one of the ways to guard the door of our thought closet. (We'll be given other tools in the coming weeks.) Several of you have told me you're really trying to say, "Awake my soul" when you first wake up in the morning. I'm not reaching 100% yet, but at least I think of it early in the day. It's a positive reminder that we need to be on the alert to what may try to turn us away from God during the day.
Retreat slots are filling rapidly. At this point we just have 13 openings left before registration is made available to those outside our local group. All along we've said that it will open to others in the middle of January, which would be next Monday. If you are sure you want to go, and sure you will have the money by the middle of February, please let me know. It's only fair to have as many of WOW-ers attend as possible, but we don't want to be left with empty spots. So drop me a line or give me a call to let me know. If you're involved with Wapato and the only thing keeping you from attending is the $80, talk to me about that also. We don't want lack of money to keep anyone from being able to come.
So, as a reminder, our Loving Well retreat is March 4th-6th in Lincoln City. The fantastic house will provide a warm welcome to all of us, and the weekend will be filled with some of the best times imaginable. You have a group of ladies who make up the Women's Ministry Team that are already praying for you and what God wants to do during the weekend. We're making fun plans for our time together, so please say you'll join us!
Our next Common Grounds will be Wednesday, January 18th at 6:30 at the church. We'll be talking about distractions and what they have the potential of doing in our lives. And we'll add another tool to our arsesnal we can use to protect our hearts--hope!
As we were meeting at Common Grounds last week, our Nicole Paz was in the process of delivering her third child--a beautiful little girl named Alivia. Congratulations, Nicole, and we can hardly wait to meet her! If any of you would like to help with meals for the Paz family, Chrissy has a great website set up at http://www.takethemameal.com/. Where it asks for the family name, type in "Paz" and the password is "1234". (Even I can remember that!) You can see who else is helping out, what day they're bringing food, and even what's on the menu!
Sherrie Ashcraft, Women's Ministry Director
sherrieashcraft@yahoo.com 971-285-6699
woo hoo.. #1.. well kinda need to read still..
ReplyDeleteNothing competetive about you, Chrissy!!
ReplyDeleteokay.. read it.. still the only commenter??!! well besides you of course ;0) Thanks for the meals plug!! we have a few spots left that need to be filled! so excited for retreat!! and I have been trying to remember to say awake of my soul, and add for this is the day the lord has made rejoice and be glad in it!! made me fell great the like 2 times I did it!!! love to hear what else we have to use as tools!!
ReplyDeleteThe number of comments have gone down! Let's do something about that. Thank you Sherrie for keeping us updated in a fun and funny way :) Sure appreciate you!! Love all you ladies too!! Cannot wait until March - woohoooo!
ReplyDeletePreach it, Becky!! Yep, March is going to be fantastico!!
ReplyDeleteI guess I should not get soo excited for being #1 since nobody is racing me!!! >where's Amy R?
ReplyDelete>way to leave a comment becks!!