Sunday, July 17, 2011

Monday, July 18, 2011 WOW-Zine

Hi, ladies! This blog is like checks some people write--post dated! I'm actually writing this on Saturday evening but will send it out on Sunday. I will be out of town for several days beginning on Sunday afternoon. After two years of waiting, our son will be on trial Monday through Wednesday. Many of you know the circumstances involved. For those of you who don't, he did something wrong, but not nearly what he's been accused of. He has already paid a heavy, heavy price, and we're praying that he will find mercy in court this week. Whatever the outcome, I give my son into God's hands, knowing that that is the best place he can possibly be. As I look back over the events of these past two years I can see that the Lord has changed me from the inside out. I'm not the same woman I was going into this situation. I've learned to allow God more freedom in teaching me how to love and trust under some very difficult circumstances. It has definitely deepened my Christian walk. Please, as you think of us during this week, pray for me and John, and our son Mark. The prayers of so many of you have really ministered to me.

We've had a fun turn out for the Zumba classes. Janet has most ablely stepped up to take the lead when I've had to be gone, as she will this coming week. I've heard really good reports from some of the women who have been coming and are already seeing results. You might want to get out your tape measurer and write down some of those important measurements to track your progress. So remember Zumba on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8 AM.

We're headed into our last lesson, session four, of our Loving Well study. Our times of discussion have really been precious. Please join in this final study either this Thursday at 10 AM or the following Wednesday at 6:30 PM.

I've got to finish getting packed, so will bring this to a close. Thanks for blessing my life.

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

Monday, July 11, 2011

Monday, July 11, 2011 WOW-Zine

I was amazed to look at my calendar and see it's only been one week since the Fourth of July! It feels as if I've lived a lifetime during this past week--preparing indoors and out for a wedding rehearsal, dinner, and wedding and reception has taken it out of me, I'm afraid. We had a wonderful time hosting the wedding for one of my brothers. His bride is from Maylasia and one of her sisters and two nieces were able to attend from there. We had a lovely time getting to know our new family members as we celebrated such a special event. But I tell you, I'm exhausterated today!! So this will be very, very short. There ... I'm done! (Just kidding.)

I do want to remind you that Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 8 is our Zumba class. We had a great time "learning" some of the steps last week. Actually, we laughed a lot while we contorted our bodies (I mean moved ever so gracefully) to Latin rhythms. Come join the fun!

Wednesday evening at 6:30 we'll be meeting at the church for Session Three of Loving Well. Many of us are finding this study challenging and convicting. Show up even if you haven't done the homework, okay?

Because my brain is mush tonight, this REALLY is the end!

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

Monday, July 4, 2011

Monday, July 4, 2011 WOW-Zine

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY! And what a beautiful day God has blessed us with. It's the perfect weather for barbeques, swimming pools, horseshoes and fireworks. Enjoy them all, as you take time to thank the Lord for the many freedoms we have in America and for the men and women who have given their lives in order for us to remain free.

Tomorrow is the Big Day! Zumba hits Wapato at 8 AM. (One alert blog reader, Amy A, noted that I had the date wrong last week.) The truth is that Zumba begins on Tuesday, July 5th, and we will meet on Tuesday and Thursday mornings throughout the summer. I'm going to share a personal testimony: In the four weeks I've been doing this fun exercise program, I have lost 10 pounds and 10-1/2 inches. I've got more to go, but I'm thrilled with what's happening to my body. As they always say on the weight-loss commercials on TV, results may vary. Even if you don't need to lose weight, come join us for the comraderie and toning. We'll all laugh as we try to imitate the fast footwork of Beto and his team on the DVD while trying not to run into each other. This is for all fitness levels--you can always take a break if you need to catch your breath. Bring your water bottle and a towel to blot your glisten spots. (Truth is, you'll need the towel to wipe your sweat!!) Wear shorts or workout clothes. Important note:No Pretty Allowed! By that I mean don't bother to put makeup on before you come, as it will just melt off and you'll have to do it all over again. I, for one, can't afford to apply makeup twice a day. If you roll out of bed drop-dead-gorgeous, well, I guess that's your fault. But for the rest of us, we'll just be showing up in our basic, unadorned skin. And we can just make a pact to not laugh at each other!

Loving Well, Session 3, Thursday at 10. Yes, I know we also have Zumba that morning, but here's what you can do. Come to Zumba at 8, and bring along clothes to change into afterward. You can even come over to my house and take a quick shower (and put that makeup on) and then head back to church for the study. Think of how good you'll feel taking time for yourself on both a physical and spiritual level! You'll return home refreshed and rejuvenated.

So, since it's a holiday, I think I'll keep this short. Hope to see you at Zumba and/or the Loving Well session this week.

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