Monday, August 1, 2011 WOW-Zine

Hello, ladies! No, you didn't somehow get left off the mailing list last week. I was simply too broken to get a blog written. If you remember from the previous blog, I mentioned that we'd be at our son's trial for three days the week of July 18th. Turns out the trial went on for five intolerable, pain-filled days. In spite of Mark's honesty in owning up to the things he did do, he was found guilty of all charges and that Friday night was taken into custody right before our eyes there in court. Let me tell you, that's not something you would ever wish on your worst enemy! The following days were filled with a depth of pain I had never experienced before. It truly was like a death. He's in jail in eastern Oregon awaiting sentencing two weeks from today. I'm trying to prepare myself for the worst possible scenario, while at the same time holding onto hope. It's a strange place to live. (I'd like to change my address!) Anyway, last Monday I was just struggling to breathe and wasn't able to write my weekly blog. Thanks so much for all the support and understanding and prayers that our family has received from you. One of Mark's big concerns was that we, his parents, would have the support we needed, and I can assure him that you have come through for us!

Hey, have I ever got a fun evening for you tomorrow night! There's a free outdoor concert at Linfield College in McMinnville at 7 PM Tuesday. It's a Beach Boys tribute and should be really groovy! I'd suggest getting together with a group of your friends and/or family and heading over there with a picnic supper and your lawn chair. Here's the blurb about it:

The Pendletones "The Ultimate Beach Boys Tribute"
There is no denying the impact the Beach boys had on rock n roll history. With their intricate vocal arrangements and driving backbeats it's impossible to keep from singing along.
The Pendletones deliver an authentic, high energy rock n roll show! You will be taken back in time to when the Beach Boys were in their prime with hits like "Surfin' USA", "LittleDeuce Coupe" and "California Girls" as well as many more!


The 5 member group consists of 3 family members including 2 brothers, Mike & Steve Warren, their nephew Ray Schmidt, and their good friends Doug McGrew and Gregg Frost. Much like the original Beach boys, there is no substitute for the natural family harmonies they were known for.

(FACT) "The Pendletones" was the Beach Boys original name before a back office employee of the record company changed it unknowingly to them to "The Beach Boys"!

Zumba your heart out and the pounds off on Tuesday and Thrusday mornings at 8 at the church. This Latin-dance exercise is a fun way to do something healthy for your body, while hanging out with friends at the same time. It's never to late to join in.

We completed our Loving Well study last week. I, personally, found it was just what the doctor ordered. (I'm referring to the Great Physician.) That video series and the weekly study came at just the perfect time in my life and brought about some pretty significant changes in me. I hope you've experienced some of that too as you worked your way through it.

Splish, splash, I was takin' a bath ... Well, not quite. But we will have some WOW splishin' and splashin' on Thursday, August 18th at 11:30 AM at the home of Karen Fordyce. Pool party, here we come! This event is for women only. Bring your  sack lunch and towel and spend some quality time from 11:30-2:00 with friends who won't hang you out to dry!

The Women's Ministry Team will be meeting in a couple of weeks to plan our activities for the coming year. If you have suggestions of fun things to do, send them my way. We're looking forward to another year spent growing closer to each other and to the Lord.

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