Monday, April 30, 2012 WOW-Zine

Happy last day of April, ladies! Tomorrow is May Day. Do you know what that is? No, not a desperate plea for help from a sinking ship, but a chance to do an unexpected gesture of kindness for a neighbor or friend. Traditionally, you pick a handful of flowers (or if you want to get extra fancy, buy a bouquet at the store), place it on a neighbor's porch without them seeing you do so, and ring the doorbell before you scamper off to hide from their view. I remember doing this as a child, hiding behind a bush to observe the neighbor reaching down to pick up the flowers, then look around trying to figure out who had left them. As I hunkered down, I suddenly noticed that I was still wearing the bottoms of my babydoll pajamas, and was dreadfully embarrassed! My dad, who is nearly 84, still does the May Day tradition for my mother every year, but I believe he leaves her one dandelion. So sweet!

Speaking of sweet, take a look at this picture. 

 Remember the bracelets we made at the retreat? For those of you who weren't there, we did a service project of making special beaded bracelets for young women facing difficult circumstances in life. Women were able to design the bracelet however they wished, (each color represented certain things) and all included a little charm that says "You Are Loved". Then the ladies wrote a little note to the unknown woman who would receive the bracelet--things like "You are a beloved child of God. He loves you and you are worthy of His love", or "I hope this bracelet makes you smile! You are so special in our Lord's sight! Also in mine." Before each bracelet was collected, the women prayed for the woman who would eventually be the recipient of this little gift. I will be taking a lot of them to the Pregnancy Resource Center in McMinnville for them to give out as thoughts of encouragement to their clients. But the other day I took a dozen of them to St. Child, a Christian home in Hillsboro for unwed mothers. Three of the girls were home at the time, and had great joy choosing a wrapped bracelet with its special message. That's my granddaughter in the picture above, modeling her bracelet as she cuddles my great granddaughter, five-month-old Madison. Cassie's favorite verse has always been Jeremiah 29:11, and she was thrilled to find a note that had that written on it. The girls from there said to give you all a great big thank you!

This Wednesday at 6:30 is our final Bad Girls of the Bible study for Common Grounds. Our Bible passage is John 8:1-12--the woman taken in adultery. I was talking to a young woman today who was telling me how much she has enjoyed this study. "It's amazing how real these women have become, and how much like them we are!" Next Thursday, the 10th, The Thursday Perk will study this same passage at 9:30 AM.
Just because this woman is our final study, doesn't mean we'll quit meeting. Oh, no, we can't let that happen! On May 16th we'll have our Common Grounds potluck to officially end this year's study, and the following week, May 24th, will be our Thursday Perk brunch. At that time, I'll let you know about studies and activities planned for the summer.

Just a heads-up for next year--both Common Grounds and The Thursday Perk will meet weekly. This should help everyone get into a routine of knowing, "Oh, it's Wednesday, I've got Bible study." (Or Thursday if you attend the morning one.) It should be much less confusing as to whether we meet that week or not, which should aid you in making appointments. I realize not everyone will be able to meet every week, but having both studies available each week should help all of us in our spiritual growth and our relationships with each other. I'm excited about it!

Don't forget our Feminini-Tea THIS Saturday morning at 10 AM. You should all have been contacted either through bulletin inserts, an evite, or through these last several WOW-Zines. Thanks for the great response--we have about 60 women and girls signed up! But we still have room for more, so continue to invite your friends. Please let me know by Thursday if you're planning on coming. And if you signed up, please make every effort to attend. Bring a generous plate of tea-type goodies to share. To those of you who agreed to host a table, I will be sending out a separate letter to let you know specifically what you need to do. Thanks for being so willing to make this special for our ladies! I could use one or two more ladies to host a rectangular table to seat 8. Please let me know if you can help out! I also have service for 6 at a round table that I can bring and set up, but because I'll be emceeing the event, I would love to have someone else be the hostess at that table, in my place. I think many of you will want to buy a copy of one of Barb's books as a Mother's Day gift, so bring along your cash or checkbook and do a little shopping while you're there. We're going to have a great time!

 Lastly, Zumba meets every Monday and Wednesday at the church at 4:15 PM. We'll probably be changing that time during the summer months, so keep an eye out for that announcement! 

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

 

Monday, April 23, 2012 WOW-Zine

Hi, ladies! It's such a beautiful day I can hardly make myself sit down here and write to you. I had an early start to my day and have enjoyed every minute of it. Wait, I take that back. I did get behind a school bus on Springhill Road and going up to Lauralwood, and that slowed me down a bit. And then as I was climbing over Bald Peak a semi-truck came around a curve toward me. I had to pull quickly to the right and stop, and he just barely squeaked by me. Whew, that was close! I didn't think rigs like that were allowed on that windy road. But, other than those incidents, I've enjoyed ever minute of the day so far. What about you?

ZUMBA meets today and Wednesday at 4:15 at the church. I think I might even show up for it today. I can do other exercise routines on other days, but it would be fun to be in a group this afternoon. Hope I see you there!

THE THURSDAY PERK meets sometime this week--guess which day!! Yes, Thursday morning at 9:30 we'll join together for our chance to study the life of Michal, one of David's wives. (You can read I Sam. 18:17-27.) We had a great time "picking her apart" at Common Grounds last week. And if you weren't able to make it last Wednesday night, join us Thursday morning. Nicole is bringing snacks, and then we're going to work them off after class by doing ZUMBA! Yes, you heard me right. Nicole came up with the great idea of doing Zumba after our study, so feel free to come in your exercise clothes and stay for a great workout afterwards. 

Tea time will be here before you know it. I hope you've remembered to mark your calendars for Saturday, May 5th, at 10 AM at the church. This is an opportunity to have fun dressing up a bit, bringing along some tea-type food to share, and enjoying an inspiring message by Barb Boswell. She'll be addressing the subject "The Gift of Your Words". This event is open to mothers and daughters, and you can borrow one from someone if you'd like. We just ask that the young girls be at least five years old and able to sit still while Barb is speaking for about 45 minutes. Mothers' discretion advised! Are you willing to host a table? We may need a few more.

Common Grounds meets next Wednesday, May 2nd, at 6:30 PM. Be watching next week for information about what woman we'll be studying. 

For those of you who were able to go to retreat, how are you doing at living out some of those basic things we were reminded of? John and I are putting into practice more of the concept of "Be still and know that I am God." Each evening as dusk is starting to settle in, I make a cup of mocha and we go sit on the porch swing and listen to the birds as they sing themselves to sleep. It's been very relaxing and something I've consciously chosen to do as a result of the retreat. I love to hear anything the rest of you have come up with. 

Well, I think that's it for this week. Please be sure to let me know that you're coming to the tea. We want to be sure we have enough seating for everyone. Enjoy this beautiful weather while we have it, and I'll see you at our activities!

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

Monday, April 16, 2012 WOW-Zine

WOW! That's about all I can say! Wow, did we ever had a great time at our beach retreat this past weekend! Wow, do we ever have a bunch of beautiful women who love to share of themselves with each other! Wow, I can hardly wait until next year's retreat, which will be April 12-14, 2013. Wow, am I ever exhausted today!! Thanks to all of you who were able to attend this year--it certainly wouldn't have been the same without you. (I'll be sending out a little note to you attendees by tomorrow, just to touch base.) We were all thrilled when God blessed us with exquisite beach weather for our free time Saturday afternoon. I'm sure He enjoyed hearing our exclamations of delight at how beautiful it was!

This week we're back to our usual activities. Zumba meets at 4:15 this afternoon and Wednesday. Common Grounds meets this Wednesday at 6:30. We're getting down to the end of our study of Bad Girls of the Bible, ladies. This week we'll take a close look at Michal, one of David's wives. Her story is scattered throughout several sections of Scripture. If you'd like to read them ahead of time, see I Sam. 18:17-30, I Sam.19:11-18, and II Sam.6:12-23.

 Before you know it, our second annual Feminini-Tea will be here! Saturday, May 5th, at 10 AM we will come together for a special time as we celebrate spring. Our speaker is Barb Boswell, and you can read past editions of the WOW-Zine to find out more about her. (She also will have her humor books available for sale.) Barb's topic is The Gift of Your Words, which will be a powerful reminder of how our words can affect the lives of others. This event is free, and is open to women and girls, ages five and up. But, they need to be able to sit quietly during a 45-minute talk. So please use your own judgement as to how well your little sweeties can handle something like that. This event is a wonderful opportunity for you to bring friends who don't normally attend our WOW events. It will be a fun, non-threatening place for them to come, so be sure to invite them. In order for us to be sure to have enough seating for everyone, please let me know if you're coming, and how many people you're bringing with you. Attendees are asked to bring some tea-type foods with you. Examples would be little sandwiches, cookies, scones, muffins, fruit--anything yummy! This is also a fun chance to dress up a little fancy and crook your little finger out to the side as you daintily sip your tea!

Thanks to those of you who have already offered to host a table for this event. (Hosting involves providing table linens and place settings for the tea. Also a centerpiece.) The church will be open by 9 AM that day for you to get your tables decorated. We have both round tables and rectangular ones, so let me know which type you would like. 

I think that's about all my tired little brain can think of today! And when I say tired, I mean tired! My daughter called me this morning and I didn't even recognize her voice!! I'll leave you with some good ideas I got through an on-line devotional.

Eight Ways to De-Stress This Spring , Cindi McMenamin, Author

Spring cleaning isn't something that should just happen in our homes. Each spring we can de-clutter our lives to eliminate the stress and make sure we're maximizing our time with those we love the most. Here are a few ways to revive your life and refresh your attitude so you can be a welcome sight this season:  

 

1. Start Your Day with a Simple Prayer. Have you noticed that a good start to your day will often affect how the entire day goes? Then grab the reins on your day by choosing to start it well. Try saying this simple prayer as you rise out of bed and before your feet even hit the floor: "God, I give this day to you. Help me to please you in all I do." That simple prayer will remind you what matters most in life and may help you, throughout the day, to remember where your priorities are. Of course, I believe the longer you spend in prayer, the better your day will go. But start with something simple and you may notice how the conversation -- with you and God -- grows from there.

2. Get Outdoors. We live in a world in which it's easy to hibernate. Don't do it. Especially if the sun is out or the wind is blowing or even if you're experiencing rain.  Walk whenever you can, breathe the air that is around you, notice the flowers, listen to a birdsong, admire the sunset. Appreciate the colors of nature. It will freshen your soul and remind you that "the earth is the Lord's and everything in it" (Psalm 24:1).

3. Find Your Resting Place. There's nothing more refreshing than a few moments of silence. Can you find it? Get creative. Walk to a nearby park. Sit in your car during your lunch break if you have to. But get quiet. Let your thoughts slow. Listen for your heartbeat. And relish in the sounds of silence -- even if just for a moment. Studies show an occasional "slow down" (from an intentional calmed pace to a mid-day nap) will decrease your stress level and increase your overall productivity.

4. Find Your Song. The Bible says, "In everything give thanks, for this is God's will for you..." (1 Thessalonians 5:18, NASB). I like to paraphrase that by saying "In all things sing." Sing out a thank you to God that you're alive. Practice the art of praising God for everything that comes your way, good or bad. Once you become a person who is able to give thanks "in everything" you are living out God's will for you. And there is no one more joyful and content on this earth than one who is living out his or her divine purpose. Also, the more you sing, the less you stress, worry or complain.

5. Keep Good Company. There are two kinds of people: the builders and the drainers. Which one are you? Which ones are you spending most of your time with? There are situations with draining people you might not be able to avoid (if your boss is one, if you live with one, and so on) but collecting more "builders" into your life who encourage you and brighten your day will most likely rub off on you and make you a builder and encourager, too. Limit the time you're around people who deplete you through a critical spirit, whining and complaining or just being high maintenance. Yes, we need to be sensitive to people's needs, but we need boundaries as well. Who is a positive, building force in your life? And how can you spend more time around that person than the drainer?

6. Clear the Clutter. I had my daughter take me through a "What Not to Wear" session in my closet and although it looked like she completely cleaned me out (five trash bags full of donated clothing items to the thrift store) I can't tell you how nice it is to have more room in my closet and far less choices every morning. It makes me happy just walking in there. More space often equates to less stress.  What can you toss or just straighten up? Creating some open space in your home, car, or on your desk at work, will do wonders for your stress level.

7. Limit the List. We constantly say we have too much to do, while we continue adding to our to-do list. So start limiting your list.  Plan open space in your schedule by refusing to book every time slot. Reschedule appointments into a less busy week if you can see the overload coming. Prioritize the few people that matter most in your life and let them have the appointments over others who haven't yet earned your time. Psalm 90:12 says, "Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." If you realize you have limited days on this earth, you will be more careful to spend them wisely. Limit your list by focusing on the few things that matter most in life: your relationship with God, your responsibility to care for what He's given you, and the legacy you will leave behind for those you love.

 

8. Toss the Trash. Is there something in your life that's harming you or others? If so, you probably already know what it is. An unhealthy addiction? A  tendency to gossip? An attitude that is critical more than it is helpful? Maybe it's just something that distracts you from doing what you really need to do. There's no better time than now to just toss it. If your new year's resolution was unsuccessful by mid-January, make it your Spring Challenge and start living lightly and freely.

Cindi McMenamin is a national speaker and the author of several books, including When Women Walk Alone, When Women Long for Rest, and When You're Running on Empty, from which this article is adapted. For more on her books or for free resources to strengthen your soul and lighten your load, see www.StrengthForTheSoul.com.

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

Monday, April 9, 2012 WOW-Zine

Whew! Here it is, nearly 5 PM on Monday, and I finally have a chance to sit down and get this WOW-Zine written and sent out. I've been on the run all day, and that's the way my whole week will be, so this will be a short, basic, no-frills blog this week!

The major focus for the week is our SeaSide Escape, which begins Friday afternoon. All of you who have registered for it should have received a retreat email last week with lots of info in it. I'll be sending another one out to you in a day or two with a few last-minute details. If you haven't already, let me know who you're riding with. There are also a few spots open for retreat.

Because of the intensive amount of work that goes into retreat, our only other activity for this week is our Zumba class, which is meeting even now as I'm typing, and will meet again at 4:15 Wednesday afternoon.  

This year our tea will be held on Saturday, May 5th, at 10 AM at the church. I'm looking for a few good women to host a table. What that means is that you bring a tablecloth (we have some white ones if you need them), table settings for six, and a teapot. We will have round tables, as well as rectangular. You can make your table as fancy or whimsical as you would like. If you're able to do a centerpiece, that would be great. A couple of you have already let me know you'd like to take care of a table, but I need to hear from several more. Last year we had 42 women and girls present, but I think we'll have a lot more than that this time. So send me a text, email, or phone call to let me know you'll help us out! Each person that is not hosting a table is asked to bring a plate of tea-type goodies along to share. I'll give you more ideas on that in the next WOW-Zine.

We've got a special treat for you this year, as we're having Barb Boswell as our guest speaker! She lives in Washington and is excited to come down and spend the morning of May 5th with us. This is a woman after my own heart (why can't she just be satisfied with her own??) as she looks at the difficulties of life through the lens of humor. 
 

Barb Boswell grew up in the small town of Woodland, Washington, where she still lives. As a teenager, she was attracted to church youth group because they got to take skiing trips. That was for her. But on one of those ski trips, while on top of a snow-covered mountain, she received more than she bargained for. She found Jesus. And so her journey began. 

When she left for college, she left God at home, finding the party scene much more attractive. For ten years she wandered in the wilderness, far from God. After five years of marriage, she became pregnant and it was at this point in her life that the running from God stopped and the running toward Him began. 

Barb worked for 12 years as the O.E.P. (Office Everything Person) office manager at her home church, Woodland Presbyterian. 

For 14 years she lead the Jr. High Youth group at the church, until God started working on her to write a book. She tearfully resigned as the youth leader and went kicking and screaming to the computer to begin the sometimes painful lesson of obedience. 

Her diagnosis of breast cancer in 2000 could have shocked her foundation, but she approached that obstacle like she does everything, by trusting God would take care of her, and by finding something to laugh about. Even cancer she didn't take seriously, because she knew God was in control. And now her Jesus has asked her to reach out and encourage those going through similar health problems. 

Barb's topic is called "The Gift of Your Words"  and has to do with the power of the words we speak. I think we all need constant reminders in this area of our lives, and her talk is something we'll all be challenged by. I'll be sending evites out within the next couple of weeks so that we'll have a good idea of how many women will be coming. Be sure to invite your friends from outside the church to come too! You'll also have an opportunity to purchase one of Barb's humorous books and even get it autographed. Who knows--it may become a collector's item!

So, that's all I've got time for today. I hope you all have a wonderful week!

Sherrie Ashcraft, Women's Ministry Director   

sherrieashcraft@yahoo.com   971-285-6699