9 women gathered tonight for an evening of worship and thanksgiving. Stories were told, songs were sung, laughs were shared, God's faithfulness was remembered. From big to little, silly to serious, here's our short list of the things we're praising God for.
UK trip_Harry Potter_digital camera_friends that bought it_askance and other fabulous words_talking to Lindsey Stutler_finishing grad school application_wonderful people to write good references_naps_Mickey_naps with Mickey_bed_acceptance to Trinity_awesome movie night discussion_Dan Waugh and the blessing he is as a pastor and mentor_beautiful Easter dress that fits like a glove_amazing friends_sweet time of fellowship_3 bedroom house with a backyard_washer and dryer_the return of art and inspiration_requesting a week off from the band_joy/anticipation for future relationship_no panic attacks during rehearsal_good experiment results_a supportive and encouraging PI_restored relationship_new desk_fantastic coworkers, all of them_friends who share the faith_this place in life_security in God_job and the way it came about_God's amazing control over everything and the way we see his hand in it_spring break and a trip home_friends who dog-sit_Chompers_moving towards the end of school and closer to family_blogs and the return to them_Ellie and Lucy_cats_seahorses_musicals_independence_contentment_fish: Richard and Stupid_walk with Mom_all Moms_and Dads_Ethiopian blueberry coffee_movies and the enjoyment of them_trip to Chicago_sleeping better_funny, freaky, gardening roommates_a backyard and the things to be planted there_sheep and the farm_hugs_lions_lion hugs_[addition]Aslan and CS Lewis (how did this not come up in the lion conversation?!)
Showing posts with label sisters in christ. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sisters in christ. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Monday, February 16, 2009
Beyond potlucks and tea parties
I admit it, when it comes to women's ministry I'm pretty cynical. All you have to do is mention potlucks, tea parties, or party planning and then sit back and watch steam roll out of my ears. Those are the tell-tale signs of the women's ministries that I've been witness to. Don't get me wrong, I like potluck dinners just as much as the next person and I will never turn down a good cup of tea, but there's got to be more to women's ministry. Just thinking about the women I'm friends with, we're a diverse group. We are (or soon to be) scientists, librarians, business women, lawyers, health advocates, musicians, teachers, artists, optometrists. Funny, athletic, bold, girly, gentle, nuturing, tom boys, adventurous, quiet, intellectual. We study, read, bake, run, laugh, dance, hike, love, play sports, travel, play instruments, even wield swords on occasion, like dogs and cats, like kids, want to be successful, want to follow and obey, want to find a special someone, the list goes on. While there is, of course, a place for potlucks, shouldn't women's ministry be as diverse as the women involved? I don't have a clear idea of what a women's ministry should look like, but I think a good place to start is to look at what we're called to be as women of God. At times like these, I always want to whip out some obscure piece of scripture with amazing insight into the topic of choice (this is similar to claiming a random indie band in your favorites, just because you know you'll be judged for admitting to owning every DMB album made). But to be honest, I think the classic Proverbs 31 is the best place to start; it's referenced so much for a reason. Here are a few things that I think, as women, we're called to be.
1. Trustworthy. She earns her husband's confidence, provides for her family, and gives faithful instruction. We're called to be true to our word and worthy of trust. Without trustworthiness, character falls awfully quickly. Relationships are built on trust. Our trust in God, our trust in each other.
2. Diligent and hardworking. She is not idle and works vigorously with eager hands. Laziness is hard to combat sometimes, but it's definitely something to be fought against. It does nothing to glorify God, and everything to serve myself. This is not to be confused with rest; it's important to work, in whatever sense of the word, but we're also commanded to rest.
3. Devoted to service. She sees to the needs of her family, and offers open arms and extended hands to the poor and needy. Service is one of those things that, at times, we don't even notice until we're smack dab in the middle of it. It doesn't always have to be feeding the homeless (while there certainly is a need there). At one point last week when we were baking cookies and divying up racecars and disc-shooters, we realized that this was a way of serving, so to speak. Trying to show the fellas that we appreciate them with a little surprise. We got so much joy out of thinking about the joy that they would (hopefully) get when they found our surprises. I want to find/recognize more ways to purposely serve.
4. Wise. She is a business woman, considering fields for sale and trading profitably. We're called to use our minds in whatever capacity he has blessed us. From analyzing biological pathways to reading treble clef, from organizing information in a useful format to arguing for the rights of others. Making good decisions for ourselves and our families is one of those lifelong lessons, but an incredibly important one.
5. Fears the Lord. She has no fear of things in this world and she laughs at the days to come. Ok, this one should really be top of the list, right? She trusts that God is in control of what is going to happen, but she also prepares as best she can (ie clothes for her family in prepartion for snow.) Trust and respect for God has got to come first as the foundation of our relationship with him.
So there are a few things I think we're all called to be as women of God; so now how does that translate into a women's ministry?
1. Trustworthy. She earns her husband's confidence, provides for her family, and gives faithful instruction. We're called to be true to our word and worthy of trust. Without trustworthiness, character falls awfully quickly. Relationships are built on trust. Our trust in God, our trust in each other.
2. Diligent and hardworking. She is not idle and works vigorously with eager hands. Laziness is hard to combat sometimes, but it's definitely something to be fought against. It does nothing to glorify God, and everything to serve myself. This is not to be confused with rest; it's important to work, in whatever sense of the word, but we're also commanded to rest.
3. Devoted to service. She sees to the needs of her family, and offers open arms and extended hands to the poor and needy. Service is one of those things that, at times, we don't even notice until we're smack dab in the middle of it. It doesn't always have to be feeding the homeless (while there certainly is a need there). At one point last week when we were baking cookies and divying up racecars and disc-shooters, we realized that this was a way of serving, so to speak. Trying to show the fellas that we appreciate them with a little surprise. We got so much joy out of thinking about the joy that they would (hopefully) get when they found our surprises. I want to find/recognize more ways to purposely serve.
4. Wise. She is a business woman, considering fields for sale and trading profitably. We're called to use our minds in whatever capacity he has blessed us. From analyzing biological pathways to reading treble clef, from organizing information in a useful format to arguing for the rights of others. Making good decisions for ourselves and our families is one of those lifelong lessons, but an incredibly important one.
5. Fears the Lord. She has no fear of things in this world and she laughs at the days to come. Ok, this one should really be top of the list, right? She trusts that God is in control of what is going to happen, but she also prepares as best she can (ie clothes for her family in prepartion for snow.) Trust and respect for God has got to come first as the foundation of our relationship with him.
So there are a few things I think we're all called to be as women of God; so now how does that translate into a women's ministry?
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
The YHBS
November 12, 2008
Last night I went to the Yellow House Bible study which I hadn't been able to attend all semester because of a Tuesday night class. What a breath of fresh air! It seriously fed my heart and soul. These women are amazing: smart, funny, loving, confident, beautiful, humble, and truly seeking God. The group is just a mix of wonderful personalities that make me smile. And beyond the individuals, you have the group: a fellowship of women eager to learn about God, trying to follow his will, and finding practical application and relevance in the scripture we study. Last night I was struck with something I think I've taken for granted before--the honesty in this group. I think it really makes the difference. We're all honest with what we're struggling with and trying to apply what we're learning from scripture to our lives. I'm so encouraged knowing that these women are going through issues similar to what I'm going through and looking to God for answers, strength, and love. Love you ladies!
Last night I went to the Yellow House Bible study which I hadn't been able to attend all semester because of a Tuesday night class. What a breath of fresh air! It seriously fed my heart and soul. These women are amazing: smart, funny, loving, confident, beautiful, humble, and truly seeking God. The group is just a mix of wonderful personalities that make me smile. And beyond the individuals, you have the group: a fellowship of women eager to learn about God, trying to follow his will, and finding practical application and relevance in the scripture we study. Last night I was struck with something I think I've taken for granted before--the honesty in this group. I think it really makes the difference. We're all honest with what we're struggling with and trying to apply what we're learning from scripture to our lives. I'm so encouraged knowing that these women are going through issues similar to what I'm going through and looking to God for answers, strength, and love. Love you ladies!
If one falls down,
his friend can help him up.
But pity the man who falls
and has no one to help him up!Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
But how can one keep warm alone?Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.Ecclesiastes 4:10-12
Friday, May 23, 2008
Sisters in Christ
What a blessing! I don't have any biological sisters, so that makes my sisters in Christ that much more precious to me. Their laughter and joy bring happiness to those around them. Praise to God for welcoming hearts, beautiful spirits, and the building of friendships. Their encouragement and support are vital during this walk through life. Praise, glory and honor to God.
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