Monday, February 7, 2011--WOW-Zine

While my intention is to post this blog by around noon on Mondays, something has been happening! Each week I have a different excuse, but this time it's a combination of "the dog ate my homework" and "I was hungry." Today went down like this: I thought I'd get the blog written first thing in the morning, but my computer decided to turn against me--it wouldn't accept my key strokes. There were all kinds of things on Facebook that I wanted to comment on, but couldn't. Tried to write the WOW-Zine, but nothing showed up when I hit a key. (And I do mean hit!) So I had to give up. I finally restarted the computer a few minutes ago and things are suddenly working, so I'm thankful for that. The other part of my excuse for this week is that Chrissy took care of Lili while Christina and I went wedding cake tasting. Of course, we had to visit with Chrissy when we came back, and she was so sweet that she invited us to stay for a delicious lunch. And who am I to say "no" to food?! So I'm blaming my lateness today on the computer and Chrissy. And that's my story!

On to more important things, such as the Valentine Dinner and Concert at the church this Saturday at 6:30 PM. If you haven't got tickets yet, don't worry, you can purchase them at the door. But do call the church office (503-985-3351) and let Becky know you're coming. Tickets are only $10 each for adults, and a suggested price of $2 per child for their meal, crafts, etc. I can promise you it will be a lovely evening that you won't want to miss. Besides, you can free the girlie-girl in you and wear something dressy if you'd like. We don't get many opportunities to do that in Gaston!

Common Grounds doesn't meet until next week, but put it on your calendar now so you don't forget. We'll be continuing our discussion on the importance of hope. Last week we focused on the verse in Psalms 42:5 where the psalmist asks, "Why are you downcast, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His Countenance." There are certainly times that we feel downcast and as if it's too hard to slog through life. But Hebrews 6:19 tells us "This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast ..." Christ gives us reason to hope. He is our anchor. We likened our life to being like a table, which needs four legs to be steady and strong. (Ever feel like you've had a leg kicked out from under you?) We only had time to delve into our "emotional leg". Next week we'll talk about the other three.


For those of you who are going to the retreat the first weekend of March, the time is getting close, isn't it?! We have so much great stuff in store for you, and I'm sure the Lord has even greater stuff awaiting each of us! I'll be sending out a special email to the retreaters, giving you more information about what to expect and to bring with you. We are only allowed to park nine cars on the premises, and street parking is not allowed, so we need volunteers with large cars, vans, etc. to drive. Please let me know if you're willing to provide rides for people, and how many people you would be able to carry. I'll need to keep a list of who is riding with whom, and how many cars are going so that we don't exceed our limit.We will ask people to contribute money to pay for your gas, so that it shouldn't be a burden for any one person.

So, that's it for this week. I hope to see many of you Saturday evening. You won't want to miss that special time.

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