Ladies, here it is late Tuesday afternoon and I'm just getting around to writing this. I had a great morning with a friend, then decided I needed to make hay (or at least trim some bushes) while the sun was shining. So now that I'm hot and sweaty, not to mention sore, it's time to remind you of what's going on in Women's Ministries.
As most of you know by now, registration for retreat is up and running. We already have 22 women signed up, with a cap of 40. To hold your spot and select your bed just give me $90 and fill out a little slip of paper. I will have the forms and the Book of Rooms with me at both Bible studies and again at church on Sunday.
Retreat Date: April 8-10th
Location: Lincoln City
Theme: Who's Your Daddy ?(Re-defined by His Love)
Cost: $90
Friday Night Fun: Talent Show!
On February 28th registration will expand beyond you Wapatonians to include those who don't attend here but have been to one of our retreats in the past. And then if there's still room, it opens to brand new ladies on March 13th. As the event gets closer I will be sending out informational letters to those of you who are going, so you'll know how the carpooling works, schedule, etc. At this point, all you need to know is that you'll have a fantastic time!!
Coming up on Saturday, March 5th, is our WOW Bowling Party at Four Seasons in Hillsboro. We meet there at 10:30 and bowl a couple of games before having lunch together. Those of you in the Gaston area can meet at 10 AM at The Hub and we can carpool. Keep your eyes out for discounted prices via Groupon, as they often have bowling specials this time of year.
As we continue our journey through the Book of Colossians this week at both women's Bible studies, Kristen S. is providing goodies for The Perk (Thursday from 9:30-11 AM) and Janet is bringing a snack for Common Grounds (Thursday evening from 6:30-8.) Both groups meet at the church and you are welcome to join us at any time.
Until next time,
Sherrie Ashcraft, Women's Ministry Director
sherrieashcraft@gmail.com 971-285-6699
Tuesday, February 9, 2016
Tuesday, February 2, 2016
Tuesday, February 2, 2016 WOW-Zine
Hello friends! Wow, already one month under our belt. And I saw on Facebook that the ground hog predicts an early spring. I'm all for that, and I'll bet you are too. It will be nice when the ground dries out a bit and we can get outdoors and enjoy it without feeling like we're in a Warrior Mud Dash! Don't you think it would be fun to plan a couple hikes as a group?
This week at The Perk, as well as at Common Grounds, we'll be finishing up Colossians Chapter 2 and getting in to the first few verses of Chapter 3. This is where things really start to get practical, so I know we'll have great discussions. Carol G. is bringing snacks (I almost wrote "sneaks") to The Perk, which is our study that meets at the church from 9:30-11 on Thursday mornings. (Childcare is available.) Then I teach the same lesson on Thursday evenings at Common Grounds (6:30-8), where Lauren is bringing something to go along with our coffee or tea. It's been great to have new women showing up at these nearly every week. There's no book to buy or homework to do. Just come with an open heart and bring your Bible and a notebook. If you're looking for deep friendships, this is a great place to find them.
I'm excited to remind you that registration opens this Sunday for our retreat April 8-10th. Guest speaker, Joy Roberts, will be joining us at "our" house in Lincoln City to share on the theme Who's Your Daddy? I know many women have not grown up in a household where their dad was all he should have been, and that experience can color a woman's concept of God. So please join us as Joy helps us discover who our daddy really is. The cost is $90, which includes four meals cooked by our own Janet and her team. (Start dieting now so you can enjoy one of her famous cinnamon rolls!) When you register by paying the $90 (if a check, make it out to Wapato Valley Church, but give it to me) you'll be able to select your bed on a first-come, first-served basis. Here are a few of your choices:
I had the privilege of spending nearly two hours visiting with Joy last week. You gals are going to love her! Spunky, vivacious, curious, insightful, and deep. And the best thing?? She already knew how to correctly pronounce Wapato!!
When I woke up this morning and saw the fog, it reminded me of something I'd written waaaay back in January of 2009. But the truth is still the truth, and I close with this:
A little later I jumped in the car and headed to town to do errands. As I pulled onto the highway I noted the countryside was covered with white, but it wasn't snow. It's what we call pogonip, a Native American word for the icy fog that sometimes forms and encases the trees and each individual blade of grass with a frozen grip. Two curves later I entered a fog bank. Where was the sun? It had been streaming in my eyes just moments before.
For the next 16 miles I drove through the thick cloud, unable to see more than a few yards ahead of me. I got to town and did some errands, then headed to the grocery store. About two blocks from the store the weather changed yet again, and snow covered the ground. It fell against my face as I walked into the store, covered my windshield by the time I returned to my car. I retraced my way home, my headlights straining against the dense fog. Suddenly I burst out into sunshine and blue sky, but with the pogonip still painting the countryside ice-crystal white. The contrast of the icy trees against the azure sky was phenomenal.
My simple journey made me think of my life. I wake up in the morning having no clue (no, don't stop the sentence there!) of what will happen that day. Of what will be around the next bend in my life. I may be walking in sunshine one moment, then suddenly halted by dark circumstances that surround me, making it hard to see more than a few steps ahead. And when I think it can't get any worse, it does! Then there are those times when the pogonip and blue skies come together, the harsh realities of life mixed with the hope of more luminous days ahead.
I'm reminded of the verses from Isaiah 42 where the Lord says,"I will lead the blind along a way they never knew; I will guide them along paths they have not known. I will make the darkness become light for them, and the rough ground smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not leave my people." What a great promise to hold on to, no matter what the weather in my life.
Until next time,
Sherrie Ashcraft, Women's Ministry Director
sherrieashcraft@gmail.com 971-285-6699
This week at The Perk, as well as at Common Grounds, we'll be finishing up Colossians Chapter 2 and getting in to the first few verses of Chapter 3. This is where things really start to get practical, so I know we'll have great discussions. Carol G. is bringing snacks (I almost wrote "sneaks") to The Perk, which is our study that meets at the church from 9:30-11 on Thursday mornings. (Childcare is available.) Then I teach the same lesson on Thursday evenings at Common Grounds (6:30-8), where Lauren is bringing something to go along with our coffee or tea. It's been great to have new women showing up at these nearly every week. There's no book to buy or homework to do. Just come with an open heart and bring your Bible and a notebook. If you're looking for deep friendships, this is a great place to find them.
I'm excited to remind you that registration opens this Sunday for our retreat April 8-10th. Guest speaker, Joy Roberts, will be joining us at "our" house in Lincoln City to share on the theme Who's Your Daddy? I know many women have not grown up in a household where their dad was all he should have been, and that experience can color a woman's concept of God. So please join us as Joy helps us discover who our daddy really is. The cost is $90, which includes four meals cooked by our own Janet and her team. (Start dieting now so you can enjoy one of her famous cinnamon rolls!) When you register by paying the $90 (if a check, make it out to Wapato Valley Church, but give it to me) you'll be able to select your bed on a first-come, first-served basis. Here are a few of your choices:
I had the privilege of spending nearly two hours visiting with Joy last week. You gals are going to love her! Spunky, vivacious, curious, insightful, and deep. And the best thing?? She already knew how to correctly pronounce Wapato!!When I woke up this morning and saw the fog, it reminded me of something I'd written waaaay back in January of 2009. But the truth is still the truth, and I close with this:
Around the Bend
I awoke to beautiful sunshine Friday morning. Such a nice change from the arctic blast and snow of the previous month. When I opened the blinds and took a closer look outside, I saw the trees and driveway were covered with frost.A little later I jumped in the car and headed to town to do errands. As I pulled onto the highway I noted the countryside was covered with white, but it wasn't snow. It's what we call pogonip, a Native American word for the icy fog that sometimes forms and encases the trees and each individual blade of grass with a frozen grip. Two curves later I entered a fog bank. Where was the sun? It had been streaming in my eyes just moments before.
For the next 16 miles I drove through the thick cloud, unable to see more than a few yards ahead of me. I got to town and did some errands, then headed to the grocery store. About two blocks from the store the weather changed yet again, and snow covered the ground. It fell against my face as I walked into the store, covered my windshield by the time I returned to my car. I retraced my way home, my headlights straining against the dense fog. Suddenly I burst out into sunshine and blue sky, but with the pogonip still painting the countryside ice-crystal white. The contrast of the icy trees against the azure sky was phenomenal.
My simple journey made me think of my life. I wake up in the morning having no clue (no, don't stop the sentence there!) of what will happen that day. Of what will be around the next bend in my life. I may be walking in sunshine one moment, then suddenly halted by dark circumstances that surround me, making it hard to see more than a few steps ahead. And when I think it can't get any worse, it does! Then there are those times when the pogonip and blue skies come together, the harsh realities of life mixed with the hope of more luminous days ahead.
I'm reminded of the verses from Isaiah 42 where the Lord says,"I will lead the blind along a way they never knew; I will guide them along paths they have not known. I will make the darkness become light for them, and the rough ground smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not leave my people." What a great promise to hold on to, no matter what the weather in my life.
Until next time,
Sherrie Ashcraft, Women's Ministry Director
sherrieashcraft@gmail.com 971-285-6699
Tuesday, January 26, 2016
How's everyone's week going? I certainly appreciated the beautiful weather yesterday. It was nice to get out for a walk along our country road. Also spied the first crocus blooming in my garden. I love the little encouragement God places in our lives, even through flowers!
If you were at church Sunday or read the Wapato Weekly yesterday, you'll already know that the Valentine's event that was slated for February 13th has been cancelled. There are a lot of pieces that go into making this a fun, successful event, and this year they just weren't falling into place. This might give you a good opportunity just to get together for dinner with another couple or family. Or perhaps your Life Group would like to spend the evening together playing games. Or ...
I hope you can join us at one of our weekly Bible studies for women. The Perk gathers at 9:30 on Thursday mornings, and is over at 11. Child care is available. This week Jaimie is bringing a goodie for us to enjoy along with our coffee/tea. Thursday evening at 6:30 Common Grounds meets for the same lesson I will have taught in the morning. Shana is bringing something for us to snack on during that. We are working our way through the book of Colossians, and this week we'll be in Col. 2:16-19. Just bring a Bible and a notebook (if you like to take notes) and enjoy a good time together. These Bible studies always have a lot of laughter, sometimes a few tears, and application to real life.
On the first Sunday of February, registration will open for our annual women's retreat in Lincoln City. Cost is $90 for your accommodations at our beautiful house there, plus your meal on Friday night, Saturday breakfast and dinner, and breakfast on Sunday. The dates are April 8-10th. Our theme this year is Who's Your Daddy? with our guest speaker, Joy Roberts, from Lake Oswego. Over the last couple weeks I've been including a picture of the house. Here's the link so you can check it all out for yourself:
https://www.vrbo.com/309670. If you haven't stayed there with us before, make sure to check it out, as it's unlike any retreat house you've ever been to in the past!
Speaking of Joy Roberts, I wanted to share her recent blog with you, just to give you a taste of what we have to look forward to. Joy is part of the team of three ladies, including past retreat speaker Laurie Sheffield, who constitute the group of speakers called For the Joy of It!
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Until next time,
Sherrie Ashcraft, Women's Ministry Director
sherrieashcraft@gmail.com 971-285-6699
Tuesday, January 19, 2016
Tuesday, January 19, 2016 WOW-Zine
This will be a short communication today, as I'm fighting a cold and don't have a lot of energy. I do plan on being well enough to teach this week, however, so please plan ahead to attend one of our Bible studies. (I just won't hug you!)
Believe it or not, we actually did get through four verses last week, so we'll be starting at Colossians 2:13 on Thursday. We're learning a lot as we work our way through this small, but powerful, book. Both of our women's Bible studies meet at the church. The Perk gathers from 9:30-11 AM (Natalie is bringing treats) and Common Grounds from 6:30-8 PM (McKenna is providing goodies.) Childcare is available in the morning.
Coming soon to a church near you--Romance in the Valley. This is our church Valentine event on Saturday, February 13th, 7 PM at the church. This year we are doing dessert only, and the $10 per person will cover the cost of that, childcare, and giveaways. You'll be able to purchase your tickets starting this Sunday.
On the more distant horizon is our annual Women's Retreat April 8-10th in Lincoln City. If you've never gone with us before, this is the year to change that all around! We stay in a beautiful 4-story house in the southern end of Lincoln City, which comfortably sleeps 40 people! The cost is only $90, which covers most of your meals for the weekend.
(The theater, where we meet for our sessions.)
Our theme this year is Who's Your Daddy? with guest speaker Joy Roberts, from Lake Bible Church.
Registration for women who attend Wapato Valley Church will open the first Sunday of February. Then we have a tiered registration in which we open it to ladies who have attended retreat in the past but don't go to Wapato, and then lastly, if spots are still open, we invite you to bring friends who have never come before. I must receive payment in full in order for you to register. (Please give cash or checks to me, with checks made out to Wapato Valley Church. When you register you will be able to choose your bed at the same time.)
Until next time,
Sherrie Ashcraft, Women's Ministry Director
sherrieashcraft@gmail.com 971-285-6699
Believe it or not, we actually did get through four verses last week, so we'll be starting at Colossians 2:13 on Thursday. We're learning a lot as we work our way through this small, but powerful, book. Both of our women's Bible studies meet at the church. The Perk gathers from 9:30-11 AM (Natalie is bringing treats) and Common Grounds from 6:30-8 PM (McKenna is providing goodies.) Childcare is available in the morning.
Coming soon to a church near you--Romance in the Valley. This is our church Valentine event on Saturday, February 13th, 7 PM at the church. This year we are doing dessert only, and the $10 per person will cover the cost of that, childcare, and giveaways. You'll be able to purchase your tickets starting this Sunday.
On the more distant horizon is our annual Women's Retreat April 8-10th in Lincoln City. If you've never gone with us before, this is the year to change that all around! We stay in a beautiful 4-story house in the southern end of Lincoln City, which comfortably sleeps 40 people! The cost is only $90, which covers most of your meals for the weekend.
(The theater, where we meet for our sessions.)
Our theme this year is Who's Your Daddy? with guest speaker Joy Roberts, from Lake Bible Church.
Registration for women who attend Wapato Valley Church will open the first Sunday of February. Then we have a tiered registration in which we open it to ladies who have attended retreat in the past but don't go to Wapato, and then lastly, if spots are still open, we invite you to bring friends who have never come before. I must receive payment in full in order for you to register. (Please give cash or checks to me, with checks made out to Wapato Valley Church. When you register you will be able to choose your bed at the same time.)
Until next time,
Sherrie Ashcraft, Women's Ministry Director
sherrieashcraft@gmail.com 971-285-6699
Tuesday, January 12, 2016
Tuesday, January 12, 2016 WOW-Zine
Hello there, ladies! Wasn't it good to get back into our routine last week? I so enjoyed being with each of you who were able to make it to one of our Bible studies, as well as with the fun group of women who showed up Friday night to undecorate the church, chow down on pizza, and play games together. Y'all are a lot of fun!!
In our Bible studies this week we'll continue our way through Colossians 2, probably verses 9-12. (If you're a regular attender, reading that last sentence probably made you snort your coffee right out of your nose, as when have we ever covered four verses in one week??!! But it could happen!) The Perk meets at the church Thursday morning from 9:30-11, and Common Grounds meets at the church that evening from 6:30-8. I teach the same lesson in both groups, so just come to whichever one best fits with your schedule. In the morning, Nicole C. is bringing treats to go along with our coffee/tea. No one has yet signed up for Thursday evening goodies, so let me know if you'd like to. Feel free to join us at any time. There's no book to purchase nor any homework to do!
Coming on the horizon is our church Valentine event on Saturday, February 13th, 7 PM at the church. This year we are doing dessert only, and the $10 per person will cover the cost of that, childcare, and giveaways. You'll be able to purchase your ticket in the next week or two, so be looking for more information.
On the more distant horizon is our annual Women's Retreat April 8-10th in Lincoln City. If you've never gone with us before, this is the year to change that all around! We stay in a beautiful 4-story house in the southern end of Lincoln City, which comfortably sleeps 40 people! 
The cost is only $90, which covers most of your meals for the weekend. Registration for women who attend Wapato Valley Church will open in a few weeks. Then we have a tiered registration in which we open it to ladies who have attended retreat in the past but don't go to Wapato, and then lastly, if spots are still open, we invite you to bring friends who have never come before. Put that weekend on your calendar NOW!
Until next time,
Sherrie Ashcraft, Women's Ministry Director
sherrieashcraft@gmail.com 971-285-6699
Tuesday, January 5, 2016
Tuesday, January 5, 2016
Welcome to the first full week of 2016! Some of you may be experiencing a 2-hour late start for your kids going to school, but at least they're going today! After all the non-schedule of the Christmas break, it's time for life to get back to its "regularly scheduled programming!"
Don't forget that this Friday, beginning with pizza at 6 PM, we will meet in the sanctuary to take all the Christmas decorations down. After the "work" of boxing up decorations and eating, we'll have a game night, starting around 7 PM. If your schedule doesn't allow you to come until then, that's just fine. Everyone can bring a snack to share (good way to get rid of the last of those Christmas cookies that are taking up space in your freezer), as well as your favorite game. If you are coming at 6 and will be eating pizza, please let me know by Thursday night so I know how many to pick up. A donation of $5 would be appreciated.
I'm excited about our Bible studies resuming this week, and hope you are too. If you've never come, this would be a perfect time to start attending. You don't need to have any previous knowledge of the Bible or even be able to find your way around in it. We're very casual and love to learn together. The Perk meets from 9:30-11 on Thursday mornings, and we have childcare available. I teach the same lesson (currently going through the book of Colossians) at Common Grounds Thursday evenings from 6:30-8. If one of your resolutions for the year was to spend more time in God's word, or develop deeper friendships, this is a great way to do those!
I know April may seem like it's a long way off, but our annual women's retreat will be here before you know it. Please save the dates of Friday, April 8th through Sunday, April 10th to gather at "our" beach house in Lincoln City. Lots more information will be coming to you over the next few months, but those of you who have attended in the past know what a special time we have together. We've had to make a slight increase to the price (we've kept it the same for about ten years!) to $90. So start saving now!
I'm excited to share this final thing with you! While scrolling through my Facebook feed the end of November, I came across a site that was new to me--www.swtblessings.com. One of the things on the page was a suggested plan for writing out Scripture each day. I determined to do that for the month of December, and found it was a great discipline for me. I'm a very fast reader and tend to speed-read the Bible too, which I know isn't always the best thing. But taking 6-10 minutes a day (depending on the length of the suggested passage) to write verses in longhand makes me slow down and really think about what I'm reading. I know several of you have already joined me in this venture, and I hope more of you will too. It's not too late in the month to start this.
Until next time,
Sherrie Ashcraft, Women's Ministry Director
sherrieashcraft@gmail.com 971-285-6699
Don't forget that this Friday, beginning with pizza at 6 PM, we will meet in the sanctuary to take all the Christmas decorations down. After the "work" of boxing up decorations and eating, we'll have a game night, starting around 7 PM. If your schedule doesn't allow you to come until then, that's just fine. Everyone can bring a snack to share (good way to get rid of the last of those Christmas cookies that are taking up space in your freezer), as well as your favorite game. If you are coming at 6 and will be eating pizza, please let me know by Thursday night so I know how many to pick up. A donation of $5 would be appreciated.
I'm excited about our Bible studies resuming this week, and hope you are too. If you've never come, this would be a perfect time to start attending. You don't need to have any previous knowledge of the Bible or even be able to find your way around in it. We're very casual and love to learn together. The Perk meets from 9:30-11 on Thursday mornings, and we have childcare available. I teach the same lesson (currently going through the book of Colossians) at Common Grounds Thursday evenings from 6:30-8. If one of your resolutions for the year was to spend more time in God's word, or develop deeper friendships, this is a great way to do those!
I know April may seem like it's a long way off, but our annual women's retreat will be here before you know it. Please save the dates of Friday, April 8th through Sunday, April 10th to gather at "our" beach house in Lincoln City. Lots more information will be coming to you over the next few months, but those of you who have attended in the past know what a special time we have together. We've had to make a slight increase to the price (we've kept it the same for about ten years!) to $90. So start saving now!
I'm excited to share this final thing with you! While scrolling through my Facebook feed the end of November, I came across a site that was new to me--www.swtblessings.com. One of the things on the page was a suggested plan for writing out Scripture each day. I determined to do that for the month of December, and found it was a great discipline for me. I'm a very fast reader and tend to speed-read the Bible too, which I know isn't always the best thing. But taking 6-10 minutes a day (depending on the length of the suggested passage) to write verses in longhand makes me slow down and really think about what I'm reading. I know several of you have already joined me in this venture, and I hope more of you will too. It's not too late in the month to start this.
Until next time,
Sherrie Ashcraft, Women's Ministry Director
sherrieashcraft@gmail.com 971-285-6699
Monday, December 14, 2015
Monday, December 14, 2015 WOW-Zine
The countdown continues--only eleven more days 'til Christmas. I hope you're able to enjoy yourself in the middle of all the busyness. In case you haven't had a chance to read it yet, I'll include the article about peace that I wrote for the church newsletter last week.
This special notice is for those who attend (or would like to come for the first time) The Perk on Thursday morning at 9:30. Last week we decided to have a little Christmas brunch along with our Bible study. Jaimie is bringing biscuits and gravy, so plan around that. Let's bring enough so that the kiddos can have a bite to eat too. If you forget about it, or simply don't have time to make/bring something, don't let that stop you from attending. This will be our last meeting of 2015, but we'll resume on January 7, 2016.
Common Grounds will meet Thursday night at 6:30. No one has said anything about doing something special for that. (I think most women are exhausted by that time of night and just lucky to make it at all!) If you want to bring a goodie, feel free! We will not be meeting again until January 7th.
We won't take down the Christmas decorations at church until Friday, January 8th. (It's always faster/easier to take down than put up!) We'll meet at 6 PM that evening for pizza and dismantling, followed by a game night. If coming at 6 for pizza doesn't work for you, please just show up around 7 for games. (Bring some!) Please let me know if you'll be there for the pizza and tear down, so I know how many pizzas to get. A contribution of $5/person is greatly appreciated.
Now here's the piece about peace I wanted to share with you:
Christmas—the time of year when it’s cold outside but warm in our hearts. When everyone gets along and there are no squabbles between the kids. The time of year when goodwill emanates from strangers in the store, and everyone greets us with a smile.When joy fills our hearts and we can’t help breaking out into a carol. You know that time of year? Me neither!
Christmas is no respector of life. The hardships and challenges of our lives don’t stop simply because it’s December. There are still fractured marriages to be lived in, cancer diagnoses to receive, mental health issues to be addressed ... and the list goes on.
The Christ Child was born into such a world. Born into the messiness of a stable, and the greater messiness of our lives. Lives that struggle to hold on to hope at times. Lives that are nearly overwhelmed by the despair around us.
As I ponder Isaiah 9:7, I see two things: Christ’s government (or rule) will have no end, nor will there be an end to His peace. It’s easy to project that into the future, but I believe it’s true for us here and now. And I need to cling to that. Paul knits those two concepts together in Colossians 3:15 when he reminds us to let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts. When we allow Him to be the ruler of our lives, we will never run out of the peace needed to deal with our daily struggles.
I’m not saying it’s easy, but it is possible. Whether you find yourself in paragraph one this year, or down in the second paragraph, I pray you will give the Lord more room to rule in your heart and find the peace that goes along with that, no matter what your circumstances.
Until next time,
Sherrie Ashcraft, Women's Ministry Director
sherrieashcraft@gmail.com 971-285-6699
This special notice is for those who attend (or would like to come for the first time) The Perk on Thursday morning at 9:30. Last week we decided to have a little Christmas brunch along with our Bible study. Jaimie is bringing biscuits and gravy, so plan around that. Let's bring enough so that the kiddos can have a bite to eat too. If you forget about it, or simply don't have time to make/bring something, don't let that stop you from attending. This will be our last meeting of 2015, but we'll resume on January 7, 2016.
Common Grounds will meet Thursday night at 6:30. No one has said anything about doing something special for that. (I think most women are exhausted by that time of night and just lucky to make it at all!) If you want to bring a goodie, feel free! We will not be meeting again until January 7th.
We won't take down the Christmas decorations at church until Friday, January 8th. (It's always faster/easier to take down than put up!) We'll meet at 6 PM that evening for pizza and dismantling, followed by a game night. If coming at 6 for pizza doesn't work for you, please just show up around 7 for games. (Bring some!) Please let me know if you'll be there for the pizza and tear down, so I know how many pizzas to get. A contribution of $5/person is greatly appreciated.
Now here's the piece about peace I wanted to share with you:
And of His Peace ...
Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. ~ Isaiah 9:7
Christmas—the time of year when it’s cold outside but warm in our hearts. When everyone gets along and there are no squabbles between the kids. The time of year when goodwill emanates from strangers in the store, and everyone greets us with a smile.When joy fills our hearts and we can’t help breaking out into a carol. You know that time of year? Me neither!
Christmas is no respector of life. The hardships and challenges of our lives don’t stop simply because it’s December. There are still fractured marriages to be lived in, cancer diagnoses to receive, mental health issues to be addressed ... and the list goes on.
The Christ Child was born into such a world. Born into the messiness of a stable, and the greater messiness of our lives. Lives that struggle to hold on to hope at times. Lives that are nearly overwhelmed by the despair around us.
As I ponder Isaiah 9:7, I see two things: Christ’s government (or rule) will have no end, nor will there be an end to His peace. It’s easy to project that into the future, but I believe it’s true for us here and now. And I need to cling to that. Paul knits those two concepts together in Colossians 3:15 when he reminds us to let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts. When we allow Him to be the ruler of our lives, we will never run out of the peace needed to deal with our daily struggles.
I’m not saying it’s easy, but it is possible. Whether you find yourself in paragraph one this year, or down in the second paragraph, I pray you will give the Lord more room to rule in your heart and find the peace that goes along with that, no matter what your circumstances.
Until next time,
Sherrie Ashcraft, Women's Ministry Director
sherrieashcraft@gmail.com 971-285-6699
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