Monday, April 25, 2011 WOW-Zine

Happy day after Easter, everyone! I hope you had a wonderful celebration yesterday. Isn't it interesting that even though Easter is such a pivotal part of our salvation, it's much easier to "pull off" than Christmas is? Not many, (if any at all) decorations to pull out of the garage and embellish the house, no lights to string from the eaves, no tree to put in the middle of the living room and watch as the needles slowly fall, day after day. No gifts to buy, hide, and wrap. No, just a lot of chocolate bunnys and ham to eat, and a not-very-difficult meal to produce. Easter is a good holiday in many ways!

Of course, we all know that Easter is the celebration of the resurrection of Christ. It's a reminder that all is not as it appears. That though things around us may look bleak and impossible, there is always hope. And nothing says "hope" like victory over death. Aren't you thankful for God's wonderful plan! How did you celebrate Easter this year? Was there anything that made it especially meaningful for you?

We were able to join our newlyweds, Dave and Christina, and three out of five of the grandkids over at their new house in Tigard. To me, it was a graphic picture of Easter. Both their previous marriages had ended in the death of a dream and they had gone through some very dark days. But when God's timing was perfect, He brought them together and blessed them with a new love and life. They are one happy couple!

Common Grounds meets this Wednesday at 6:30 at the church. This is our next-to-the-last meeting for the school year, so you really don't want to miss it! For those of you who were there last time when we talked about taking time to rest and think of God's goodness to us, have you taken the time to write your own personal psalm? I would love it if some of you are able to do that and maybe even share a few "verses" of it on Wednesday night. It doesn't have to be fantastic writing, but a simple expression of your heart to God. I know it would bless all of us.

Don't forget the mini-retreat at Ashberry Lane on May 13th and 14th. One more lady took me up on the offer last week, so I only have openings for two more women. First come, first served! And such a deal at only $20. You can find more information in last week's WOW-Zine.

WOW's Movie Night is headed your way on Saturday, May 14th, at 7 PM. Lots of goodies to share, good connecting time with each other, and a fun movie to watch. Put it on your calendar.

I'll be speaking for a Salem women's retreat this weekend at Camp Tapawingo. Anybody ever heard of that place? It's new to me, and I'm looking forward to seeing what it's like. But looking forward even more to sharing with these women about being Daughters of the King. It's been a fun challenge to work up material for four sessions, and I could sure use your prayers.

Speaking of prayers, Darci is in surgery right now as I write this. Please join in praying that this is a successful surgery. She'll have to go back again to get the other kidney worked on, but we really want her to get over the terrible pain she's been plagued with for months. Get well soon, Darci! (And if you'd like to help prepare meals for her family, check out the website at http://www.takethemameal.com/. The code is simply #1234, and the family name is Stevens. Let's show them a little love during this time.

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