After not meeting last week due to VBS, both women's Bible studies will be meeting this week. Common Grounds will gather Wednesday evening at 6:30, and The Perk gets together on Thursday at 9:30 AM. We are nearly through with our wonderful study through the book of Luke, and will be looking at Luke 23:26--Luke 24:12. I think we've all been amazed at the richness we've discovered as we've taken a closer look at the last few hours before the crucifixion. We will meet again next week for our last session before taking a break until resuming in September. This week ANITA is on for treats for Common Grounds, and for Thursday, NICOLE P. has signed up for snacks. We have no one who has signed up to be the MIC (Mother In Charge) of child care for this Thursday or next. Please let me know if you're willing to serve in that capacity.
Our Darci has to have another surgery this week. Please be praying that the doctor is successful in getting all of the kidney stone out, and that she heals quickly without any complications. A little later she'll have to undergo surgery again to have a stone removed from the other kidney. Women of Wapato are really good about gathering around and helping each other when we have a need. In order to help you help Darci, I've got a meal schedule posted where you can sign up to provide a dinner for this family. Just go to http://www.TakeThemAMeal.com/
Have you put it on your calendar yet? I'm talking about our Rockin' Good Time at Rockaway Beach on Tuesday, August 20th. This is a chance for you to bring your children or grandchildren and make the beautiful drive over to Rockaway Beach, which is just north of Tillamook. Everyone brings a picnic lunch for their own family and we spend the afternoon yakking up a storm as we watch the kiddos play. It's always a lot of fun, and very relaxing. I'll announce the time as we get closer to the event, but make sure you're planning ahead to attend. And this is certainly something you can invite friends to attend.
Something else to be looking forward to is Women of Faith, coming up the first weekend of October, the 4th and 5th. We were able to pre-buy some tickets at a discounted price when we were there last year. There are 8 of those tickets remaining, and they're on a first-come basis. They cost $81. We get a motel for Friday night, which usually ends up to be about $25 per person. And we stop for a nice dinner (as in, not fast food!) on our way home Saturday. If you're interested in going, let me know. Paying the money will hold your spot!
I think that covers everything I needed to share with you this week. I'll leave you with this thought, from Holley Gerth:
When You Need to Call for Back Up
I pick up my phone in the middle of a wild week and text the lie that my heart is hearing to a friend. Then I simply ask, “What is the truth? I can’t come up with it right now.” She writes back and tells me what I already know deep inside but can’t quite manage to find in the moment. I read her words over and over then get up with new strength to face the day.
Years ago I wouldn’t have sent that text. I would have tried to come up with the truth on my own. I would have given in to shame and guilt. I would have spend the day thinking about how everyone else was my spiritual than I am and how I should try harder. But I’m learning this…
It’s okay to call for back-up.
Most of us know the story of the man lowered down through a roof by his friends so he could be laid at the feet of Jesus and find healing. What I think many of us don’t realize is that there are days when it’s our hearts, not our bodies, that need the same thing. We think if we can just muster up enough “faith” then we should be able to get there ourselves. But that’s not the way it works.
And, friends, when we refuse to let others help us it’s not being spiritual…it’s pride {ouchie}.
We’re made to share life with each other. We’re made to say, “I need you. Please help me.”Those aren’t words of weakness–they’re the strongest words we can say. Because it’s easy to try to figure things out on our own. It’s much harder to say, “Please carry my heart to Jesus today.” But you know what? The man who was healed that day wasn’t the only one who received a blessing. His friends did too because they got to be part of the work God was doing.
When you really need help and you ask for it, you’re not becoming a burden. You’re offering an opportunity for someone to be part of a blessing. Let that sink in and then send a text, make a phone call, share your heart with someone over coffee. Whatever your heart needs today.
It really is okay to call for back-up.
sherrieashcraft@gmail.com 971-285-6699
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