Happy New Year! Welcome to the first Monday of the year! Are you excited about 2011? I am. The last couple years have had quite a bit of challenge in them for me, and I'm hoping things will turn around this year. But I have no guarantee of that. The year may be filled with many joyful things, or hardships may be waiting for me just around the corner. Life can be exhausting! But I love how Matthew 11:26-30 is phrased in The Message. Jesus says, "Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me--watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." That's my goal for the year. (And thanks to those of you who shared your goals last week in the comments!)
This Wednesday at 6:30 Common Grounds resumes. One of my goals each year is to continue growing in the Word of God. A great way to do that is to meet with other women as we look at what the Lord has to say about our thought closet. This week we'll be looking at the role of the Holy Spirit in keeping our closet in order. It's a very practical lesson, and you won't want to miss our discussion.
It's time to get your retreat reservation in if you haven't done so yet. We have several women that aren't part of Wapato that are waiting in the wings to take spots if they're still available two weeks from now. Ladies from as far away as Washington and Kentucky!! Remember, you must be paid in full to hold your spot. (And thanks to Neva for letting me know she was the one that gave me the $20 a couple weeks ago.) Beth Moore's video series Loving Well will be something we'll all learn from. And don't forget the fantastic times we have laughing together, playing together, eating together, and yes, even crying together. We have many special things in store for you this year. This all happens March 4-6th, for only $80. Please join us.
Sherrie Ashcraft, Women's Ministry Director
sherrieashcraft@yahoo.com
971-285-6699
woo hoo.. I am hoping I am the first comment of the new year!!! see you weds!!
ReplyDeleteYou did it, Chrissy!! It must make your day to be first to comment here! I did get a response from Debbie, but it was via email as she doesn't know how to get her Blackberry to leave a comment. So you are the big winner of ... NOTHING! See you Wednesday night so you can claim your prize!! lol
ReplyDeleteChrissy deserves a prize for making us laugh all the time! And I do too, for leaving the second comment here besides Sherrie- who doesn't count in the comment category!
ReplyDeleteYep, Amy, that Chrissy is a really funny girl! And I guess you get the runner-up prize for being second, which is a slightly smaller version of the prize Chrissy gets!
ReplyDeleteOhhh.. Your FUNNY!!! Sherrie!! I totally agree with Amy!! we both deserve a great prize, like first pick on beds at beach retreat ;) It is funny because I was trying to type sooo fast and sign in before someone else's comment popped up!!! I almost wrote nothing just so my name would show then was going to go back to say more!!! ;0) ohh the exciting life I lead!
ReplyDeleteWow, the closer I get to it, the further away it seems. I am wondering if I'll get the money before the two weeks are up, but if not, I know that God has better intentions. I will try, but this money has to come out of my grocery budget, and there hasn't been anything left. This week, I had one dollar left over, plus Joella needed socks. How sad is that! Grrrrrr... stupid groceries.
ReplyDeleteI hate to miss yet another year, but one year I will make it.
I'm going to sit here and grunt, because the blame falls on me.
On a brighter note!!!:) :) :)
I do have two sweet precious children to look at!