Tuesday, April 12, 2016 WOW-Zine

Blessed~Challenged~Craziness~Tears~Hugs~Walks on the beach
~Questions~Exclamation points~Transparent mugs~Friends~Love
~Silly skits~Worship~Coffee~Journals~Grace~Understanding~Joy
~Support~Shopping~Great food~Prayer~Wouldn't want to miss it!

These are a few terms that encapsulate the experience we had at our Who's Your Daddy? retreat this past weekend. Our speaker, Joy Roberts, fit in with us so well--she should be scared! What a gift she has for opening her heart and God's Word and sharing the perfect blend of challenge and encouragement. One of the most meaningful times was when we spoke the words of God's truths over each of our sisters. Several of you asked for a list of the scriptures used. I'll include them as an attachment with this WOW-Zine.
Wedding bells will soon be ringing for our own Jaimie Sherwood, soon to be Jaimie Ashcraft. Janet George has asked me to invite all of you to a bridal shower at her house (2751 Phillips Rd., Gaston) next Wednesday, April 20th, at 6:30 PM. If you don't know how the story of Jaimie and my son, Mark, came about, you should read her post about it on Facebook. Only the Lord could have made this happen! Because the situation is unique, (Mark is in prison, and the wedding will take place there on the 25th), so is the shower. We usually don't ask like this, but Janet would like everyone to bring a cash gift to bless Jaimie and help her with expenses incurred even with a prison wedding. (Motel, license, travel, etc.) In a couple of years, when Mark is released and life has settled down, they plan on having another wedding where we can all celebrate together. If you have any questions, please call Janet at 503-539-1518.


We DO have our Bible studies meeting this week. Yay!! The Perk will meet Thursday morning from 9:30-11, and we do have childcare available. That evening, from 6:30-8 Common Grounds will study the same lesson. We're in the book of Colossians (yes, still!) starting in Chapter 3, verse 15. If you have determined to follow Christ, and one of these study times works out with your schedule, this is a wonderful place to come for prayer, laughter, practical application of God's message to us, and lots of discussion. We'd all love to have you join us. Just show up! (Jaimie is bringing treats for the morning group, but no one has signed up to bring anything in the evening. Let me know if you'd like to fill that gap!) We will return to our every-week meetings on Thursday, April 28th.

Our Bible studies will  NOT meet next week, due to the event with author Francine Rivers in Vancouver that evening. If you have a ticket for that evening, please shoot me a text or email so I can know who all is going. If you have a big rig you're willing to drive, let me know that too, so we can plan out all the details. Thanks!

I will be gone this weekend, speaking at a retreat for True Vine Fellowship of McMinnville. I would truly appreciate prayer coverage over my time with those ladies. I don't have a schedule of exactly when my speaking times are, but I imagine they run very much like ours. So prayers on Friday night, Saturday morning and night, and again on Sunday morning. This is one of the busiest weeks for my life (and as old as I am, that covers a LOT of weeks!) so prayers for focus and meeting deadlines would also be great! 

Until next time,
Sherrie Ashcraft, Women's Ministry Director
sherrieashcraft@gmail.com     971-285-6699

Tuesday, April 5, 2016 WOW-Zine

Welcome to the first WOW-Zine of April! Have you started your Christmas shopping yet? The year seems to be going by so quickly that it almost seems time to start on Christmas! I thinks it's time to slow down and live in the moment. The moment which is filled with beautiful blossoms on the trees, tulips and daffodils blooming their heads off, and the sweet sounds of birds singing as they enjoy all the beauty.

Neither of our Bible studies are meeting this Thursday, due to retreat this week. (I'm sorry all of you aren't able to attend, but if you're staying local this weekend, please pray for us!) The Perk and Common Grounds will meet next week. The following week (the 21st) we won't meet due to the Options360 Event with Francine Rivers that night. I believe tickets are still available ($15) so you can still join us for that evening. After that, we should be back to meeting every Thursday until we take a break for the summer. Don't worry, we'll have lots of fun activities during the summer too.

I'd like to leave you with a recent blog post from our retreat speaker, Joy Roberts:

The Power of Pants: A Lesson on Comparison

POSTED ON MARCH 30, 2016 BY JOY ROBERTS • 3 COMMENTS

Do you know what size pants you wear?  

Doesn’t that sound like an invasive question? I might as well ask you how old you are and expect you tell me your deepest darkest secrets!

I was at the grocery store last week and two adorable, hip, young and beautiful sisters (like real sisters who grew up together in the same house) were scanning and bagging my groceries.

Our conversation landed on pants and pant sizing in particular. Their pants were giving them a bit of an identity crisis…in one store they were categorized as “Large.” They laughed at how another store called the same size an “Extra Small.” Different brands provided different labels for them to wear…26, 27, 28, 29 or 32. What to do with all these numbers? Depending on the store or brand you can be a 2, 4, 6, 8 or apparently whatever number will make you feel good. At first I was irritated with stores and brands that offer what’s called “vanity sizing.” As if we are dumb enough to fall for it…as if our pant size would have any impact on what pants we buy…as if our body image could be helped or hurt by a number on a tag. BUT the insanity is – the number really does matter. Why do we do this?

Why have we given our pants power over how we feel about ourselves? We are basically sizing-up and comparing ourselves to a number… and to every woman who wears pants.

My conversation with those sisters started me thinking: there are a lot of things we give power to and allow to have influence over our happiness and how we view of ourselves.  

Things like…

• How much money we do or don’t have
• Other people’s opinions and even their comments
• Our clothes…how they look and fit
• What we are invited to or not included in
• How many likes we get on social media
• The car we drive or house we live in
• The performance of our children
• Our spouse’s response
• If the dishes are done or if the house is a pigsty

Our satisfaction with our life hangs in the balance as we compare what we have with what others have.

When I was in the 7th grade I compared my pant size, bra size and shoe size to all the other girls in my school. They were my measuring stick. I desperately wanted smaller feet and bigger breasts. So I stuffed my training bra and convinced my dad to buy me size 7 volleyball shoes instead of the size 8 that actually fit.

That year I lost a cotton ball out of my bra during science class (yes, it was as humiliating as it sounds) and I lost my both my big toe nails. Back then I was just a girl trying to get comfortable in my own skin. Maybe you can relate?

I had to learn some painful lessons on contentment.

I’m older and wiser by a few decades but I’m still in the process of being comfortable in my own skin.  If we’re honest, I think many of us are still in the process of finding contentment with the bodies, life and circumstances that we have been given. So what would happen if we didn’t give things like the size of our pants, our stuff, our accomplishment and the opinions of others power over us? What if we did not compare ourselves to each other or the standards of this world?

What if we were comfortable in our own skin? I think we would experience contentment.

Contentment is, “An internal satisfaction which does not demand changes in external circumstances”—Holman Bible Dictionary.

The Apostle Paul offers us some nitty-gritty real life wisdom on how to have internal satisfaction. He said, “Don’t love money [stuff]; be satisfied [content] with what you have.

For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” (Heb 13:5 NLT)

Contentment comes when we stop loving our “stuff” and just trust Jesus.“He will never fail you. He will never abandon you.”

Be content with the life you have.  Our value and happiness isn’t tied to what others have or don’t have or to a resume of external successes or a list of personal achievements. It isn’t based on the stuff we own, or the size of our pants, shoes, or bra. Don’t give power to those things. They will not satisfy. They will leave us wanting more.

The solution to the problem of comparison is contentment. Jesus is our measuring stick. I’m not your measuring stick and you are not mine. I want to leave you with the secret on how to be content no matter what your life is like.  It’s not my secret, it’s Paul’s and he lays it out for us in Philippians 4:11-13.  He says,

“I have learned how to be content with whatever I have.  I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”

Ponder this with me…are you satisfied?  Are you comfortable in your own skin? Are you content with the life you have? Are you inviting Jesus to strengthen you in all your circumstances?

Let’s refuse to be each other’s measuring stick. Let’s find contentment and the freedom to be each other’s biggest cheerleaders. To celebrate all that is good, comfort each other when life is hard, and love as Jesus loves.

Thanks for reading!  I’d love to hear your thoughts on the power we give our pants!

---

Join me, Laurie and Julie Thursday afternoons at 2:30pm on 93.9 KPDQ and Sunday mornings at 11:30am on True Talk 800. Each week we explore God’s Word and discuss practical ways we can live for the joy of it in our homes, relationships and community.

Can’t join us live? Go to joyofit.org for the podcast or subscribe on iTunes.

Until next time,

Sherrie Ashcraft, Women's Ministry Director

sherrieashcraft@gmail.com     971-285-6699

Welcome to a beautiful day, at least in my neighborhood! It's all I can do to make myself stay inside and get some work done. 

Both The Perk and Common Grounds will be meeting this Thursday.  I still don't have anyone who has volunteered to bring treats for either of them, so be sure you eat at home first! This week we'll be doing something a bit different at both studies, so come and find out what's going on. (It's not scary, I promise!) The Perk meets at 9:30 AM, with Common Grounds meeting at 6:30 PM. I hope you'll be there!

EXTRA! EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT!
It happened--someone had a change of plans and won't be going to retreat after all. So that means there is one open spot for retreat. Let me know if you want it!

Just a heads up that you won't see me at church for the next four weeks, but I don't want you to think I'm sick or dead! I've got two retreats and two weddings in the month of April, and they all involve the weekends. (Kind of reminds me of the title of an old movie!) 

Until next time,
Sherrie Ashcraft, Women's Ministry Director
sherrieashcraft@gmail.com     971-285-6699

Tuesday, March 22, 2016 WOW-Zine

Happy spring break! Hopefully the rain will stop sometime this week and we'll be able to enjoy some spring-like weather. 

Due to spring break, we do not have Bible study this week, but will get back together the following week--Thursday, March 31st. I don't have anyone signed up for treats that week, so if you'd like to bring something to The Perk (9:30 AM Thursday) or to
 Common Grounds (6:30 PM Thursday) please let me know. 

Dessert Night with Francine Rivers
Thursday, April 21st
6-9 PM
Vancouver
You can purchase your ticket ($15) at www.Options360Events.com.
Seating is limited and tickets are going quickly! So if you're interested in attending, get yours now. We will arrange carpooling as the date nears. 

Until next time,
Sherrie Ashcraft, Women's Ministry Director
sherrieashcraft@gmail.com     971-285-6699

Tuesday, March 15, 2016 WOW-Zine

Remember the following changes to our weekly Bible studies for the months of March and April:

~March 17th (this week)--We meet

~March 24th--No studies (Spring Break)

~March 31st--We meet

~April 7th--No studies (Retreat Week)

~April 14th--We meet

~April 21st-- No study (Event with author Francine Rivers)

~April 28th--We meet

This is why I'm cancelling Bible studies on April 21st--

You may have read some of the wonderful books written by Francine Rivers--Redeeming Love; The Scarlet Thread; Mark of the Lion series; The Last Sin Eater; The Atonement Child; and more. We have the opportunity to participate in a fund raiser for Options360, a pregnancy clinic in Vancouver. I met Francine in person years ago, and have heard her speak several times. She has a message she shares from her heart, and you'll find it it will enrich your life. You can purchase your ticket ($15) at www.Options360Events.com.
Seating is limited and tickets are going quickly! So if you're interested in attending, get yours now. We will arrange carpooling as the date nears. 

Speaking of "as the date nears", retreat is just a few weeks away. If you're attending, look for a letter from me sometime next week concerning carpooling, what to bring, etc. At this point we still have a full house.

Remember at retreat last year, when we brought items to help with the startup of Saving Grace Maternity Home? Well they are getting very close to having the funding to buy the house, and have a thank-you dessert event they'd like to invite you to. I'll be out of town, but I'm hoping some of you can represent the Women of Wapato at this event. 


Until next time,
Sherrie Ashcraft, Women's Ministry Director
sherrieashcraft@gmail.com     971-285-6699

Tuesday, March 8, 2016 WOW-Zine

Pull out your calendar and make the following changes to our weekly Bible studies for the months of March and April:

~March 10th--No studies

~March 17th--We meet

~March 24th--No studies (Spring Break)

~March 31st--We meet

~April 7th--No studies (Retreat Week)

~April 14th--We meet

~April 21st-- No study (Event with author Francine Rivers)

~April 28th--We meet

This is why I'm cancelling Bible studies on April 21st--

You may have read some of the wonderful books written by Francine Rivers--Redeeming Love; The Scarlet Thread; Mark of the Lion series; The Last Sin Eater; The Atonement Child; and more. We have the opportunity to participate in a fund raiser for Options360, a pregnancy clinic in Vancouver. I met Francine in person years ago, and have heard her speak several times. She has a message she shares from her heart, and you'll find it it will enrich your life. You can purchase your ticket ($15) at www.Options360Events.com.
Seating is limited and tickets are going quickly! So if you're interested in attending, get yours now. We will arrange carpooling as the date nears. 

I was remiss last week in including the Scripture writing guide for the month of March, so here it is. swtblessings.com and scroll down to the March page.

RETREAT--As you know, we are filled to capacity. But I'll be happy to put your name on a waiting list in case someone has to back out at the last moment. Just let me know.

Until next time,
Sherrie Ashcraft, Women's Ministry Director
sherrieashcraft@gmail.com     971-285-6699

March 1, 2016 Wow-Zine

 

Happy first of March to each of you. It looks like our spring flowers are getting well-watered, doesn't it?           






 SATURDAY, MARCH 5TH
WOW BOWLING PARTY
10:30 AM
Four Seasons Bowling Center
Hillsboro 

If you love to roll heavy balls down a slick floor and knock things over, this is the event for you! Or if you just like to watch other people do that, this is the event for you! I will be unable to attend, but I hope a lot of the rest of you can make it. Gaston-area people can meet at The Hub parking lot at 10 AM to carpool. Feel free to bring your daughters (4th grade and older) with you, and stay for lunch afterward. 


You still have a couple opportunities to bless new parents Kaitlyn and Bryan Marsh with some meals. Head over to http://www.takethemameal.com/meals.php?t=LQLW6615 to sign up for either this Friday or next Monday.


RETREAT: APRIL 8-10TH
WHO'S YOUR DADDY?--Redefined by His Love
With Guest Speaker Joy Roberts                          
Yes, you're reading that right. Never before have all the spaces been filled so early, but at this point we are completely booked! If you'd like to be put on a waiting list, let me know. Not that you would pray for someone to get sick at the last minute, but ... you never know! It's still five weeks until retreat, but we will start working out the carpooling in a few weeks. And I will send a letter to attendees letting you know what to bring and what to expect. Your Women's Ministry Team is really excited to have you joining us!

We're continuing our study through the Book of Colossians, beginning at 3:11. (That's the chapter, not the time!) Nathalie is providing treats for The Perk (Thursday morning from 9:30-11. Childcare provided.) That evening for Common Grounds (6:30-8) Lauren will bring our snack. 

Pull out your calendar and make the following changes to our weekly Bible studies for the month of March/April:

~March 3rd--We meet as usual

~March 10th--No studies

~March 17th--We meet

~March 24th--No studies (Spring Break)

~March 31st--We meet

~April 7th--No studies (Retreat Week)

We will resume our weekly studies on April 14th!

Until next time,

Sherrie Ashcraft, Women's Ministry Director

sherrieashcraft@gmail.com     971-285-6699