Monday, September 24, 2012 WOW-Zine

It's definitely starting to feel like fall, isn't it? I know some of us hate to see summer slip away for another year, but there's a certain sense of excitement about going into the next season. The kids have been in school for a couple of weeks, the mornings are on the chilly side, Starbucks is serving pumpkin everything, and the days are growing shorter. Maybe you don't like having your kids in school, and hate chilly mornings, pumpkin, and short days, but there's really not much you can do about that. Might as well look for special things that make you feel good about this time of year and make the best of it. And isn't that what we should be doing in all of life anyway? It rarely goes just the way we wish it would--there always seems to be things we have to deal with. But that's part of how we   grow in our faith as we trust God in each new situation. And often they're not nearly as bad as we anticipate!

Speaking of anticipation, we've got some good things coming up in the near future. You've heard me talk about Women of Faith, which will be at the Portland Rose Garden October 5th and 6th. I'd love to be able to sell the one ticket I have left. ($91) We'll be spending Friday night at the Comfort Inn by the airport, which will cost about $30 more. And there are meals that you need to take care of also, though breakfast is included at the motel. Yes, it all adds up, and I know money is tight for all of us, but it's a very worthwhile event. (Sure shows what a super deal our cost of $80 for our weekend retreat in Lincoln City in April is!) Contact me ASAP.

We've got a WOW movie night coming up Friday, October 19th, beginning at 7 PM at Ashberry Lane. Just a reminder that our events are for women only (at least senior high) unless stated otherwise. This evening is not being stated otherwise! This is a chance for women to leave the cares of their world at home and come hang out with some fun ladies. Bring snacks to share, as we always get hungry. 

Both our Bible study groups got off to a good start last week, but there's room for you to join us if you had to miss. Both Common Grounds (Wed. 6:30 PM) and The Perk (Thurs. 9:30 AM) meet EVERY week. Some of you are forgetting that small point, and one of the reasons for doing it weekly is so you won't have to stop and think, "Is this a week we meet or not?" The answer will always be "Yes, it is!" unless it's Thanksgiving week or during Christmas break. So just write it in on your calendar, as well as on your brain, and come! We'll be continuing through Luke chapter one, taking up at verse 28. And just so you know, we are now able to provide childcare at The Perk, thanks to Eileen! The kids are in one of the rooms off the sanctuary, so you'll need to bring toys for them to play with. 

I'm going to leave you this week with a lot of options to choose from. These ideas were listed on a blog I got from Ann Voskamp (the One Thousand Gifts lady) and I thought I'd pass them on to you. Especially since I've talked about Starbucks and pumpkin! Have fun looking through these ideas she had for the weekend and let me know if you do any of them. (They're not limited to the weekend, after all!)

  Scroll through these Fall Beauties with Leaves from BHG for some simple creativity this weekend with the family… and just. pick. one.

{You are living these 7 Habits of Creativity & making happy time everyday to be creative, yes?}

Friendship on the Weekend:  This read so encourages, yes? Couldn’t it change the whole weekend into amazing? {See below}

Kitchen Love for the Weekend: So. If you read the link above… Here’s where it gets really fun! Make your own Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte (really!) and whip up these *2* ingredient pumpkin muffins… and then tuck in one of these gorgeous printable Fall card — and ta da!

Kid Fun for the Weekend:  Have you come up with your Fall Fun List? (Or print out this Fall Bucket List? Every day’s a gift!)

Joy for the Weekend: Grab a kid, a friend, five minutes — and a clothespin. And make this message for someone who just really needs to hear it. (Scroll down for steps) Something this simple? And so happily memorable.

Organization for the Weekend: Okay, this is ridiculously simple and pretty revolutionary for fridges everywhere… and pick up one of these for the vehicle: brilliant!

Sherrie Ashcraft, Women's Ministry Director

sherrieashcraft@yahoo.com   971-285-6699