I can't believe it! Not only am I late in the day getting this WOW-Zine out, but after spending the time to write it, I can no longer find it! It simply disappeared from my computer even though I don't think I did anything wrong. I mean, sometimes I know I pushed the wrong key and caused something to spend eternity in cyber-space hell, but I really think I'm completely innocent this time. At least that's my story, and well, you know the rest! So here I am, starting all over again.

 So in the interest of time, I'll get right to what's going on this week and in the near future. Both Common Grounds (Wednesday, 6:30 PM) and The Perk (Thursday, 9:30 AM) meet this week as usual at the church. We're having a great time as we've taken time to look at familiar stories, such as Christ's birth, through fresh eyes. This week we'll continue our study through these familiar scriptures, beginning with Luke 2:21 through the end of the chapter. (Or as far as we get this week!) We're in no hurry, you know. It's more important to take the time to give the Word of God a chance to take root in our hearts, rather than hurrying through a certain number of verses. 

 Now something different will be occurring NEXT week with Common Grounds. A new sound system will be installed at the church that day, and because they may have to be working on it into the evening, Common Grounds will be meeting at Ashberry Lane (my house) on the 17th. Please mark that on your calendar now. For those that don't know where I live, the address is 24090 Wapato School Rd, about 4 miles south of the church. My phone number is always included at the bottom of the WOW-Zine, so feel free to call if you need directions. Remember, that is NEXT WEEK, not this one. The Perk will meet at the church next week as usual.  

 Speaking of Ashberry Lane, you need to come over on Friday night, October 19th, for our WOW Movie Night. We'll be watching the new movie, October Baby. This event is a time for women to leave young children at home and come relax with friends, so girls must be at least a junior in high school to attend. We'll start with munchies (bring some) at 7, and begin the movie by 7:30. I sure hope you're able to join us! 

 Those of us who were able to attend Women of Faith this past weekend had a great time together. They offered some tickets at a discounted price for next year if we bought them this weekend, so we purchased a group of ten tickets and received $10 off, bringing the price down to $81. Heidi H. gets the non-existent prize for buying the first ticket from our group of tickets for 2013. Congratulations, Heidi!! 

 And now I will leave you with a blog that was sent to me courtesy of Amy Rusaw. She thought a lot of us could relate to this, and I'm pretty sure she's right! 

   

You Are Beautiful

By Lindsay on October 4, 2012 in faith & womanhood

There we sat snuggled in and playing a roaring game of cards (the game Speed in fact). My husband in his sweet way looks up and says, “You’re so beautiful.” Immediately, my self conscious way pips up and points out the leftover baby flub on my tummy as I emphasize the fat by holding it between my finger tips. As if he wasn’t fully aware of the way my body has changed and grown over the years and the effects of birthing three babies? In a laughing insecure way I respond, “but this isn’t very attractive.”

My husbands instant reply struck me to the quick: “The only thing I find unattractive about you is your lack of confidence in yourself.”

Wow. My heart was instantly convicted. The only thing my hubby, and I might just venture most men out there, find unattractive about us as women is when we speak negatively about ourselves. It only makes us unattractive to our men. We need to let go of the silly notions about image and appearance. Your man loves you for who you are not based upon how skinny or fit you are. He loves you with all your quirks and baby flub, just like our Heavenly Father.

I look at my numerous stretch marks and say, “yuck”, but my husband looks at them and sees beauty. These are the marks that brought his children into the world. These are the scars that brought forth precious life. I exchanged temporary physical perfection with eternal precious little souls. I imagine these stretch marks as a permanent kiss offered for my child.

When we speak negatively about ourselves, we ultimately mock our Creator. He who has fashioned and designed you unique and imprints “beautiful” all over you. When we look at ourselves in frustration and despair, we are doubting His goodness and that His ways are perfect.

Sisters, make yourself beautiful for your man and others by cutting out the critical attitude about yourself. Embrace the way God has beautifully created you to be. You are beautiful and precious in His sight. Embrace your appearance, your specific gifts, your style, and seek to use it for His glory in bringing life into your spear of influence.

And remember…the only thing unattractive about you is when you speak negatively about yourself. I’m letting go of the crap (for that is what it really is) and embracing my design.

{Photo Credit}

Sherrie Ashcraft, Women's Ministry Director

sherrieashcraft@yahoo.com   971-285-6699