Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Surprise Baby Gift for Kim Schmuck



Thank you all so very much! I greatly appreciate the thoughtfulness and love shown to our family. It's great to be a part of such a caring circle of ladies!!
Kim

Monday, June 27, 2011

Coming this fall...

"The friendship Jesus shared with His disciples was the model for the relationship He extends to you. He wants to be the voice that steers you through every situation, the peace that sets your troubled heart at rest, and the power that holds you up in the storm. He wants to be closer than your dearest friend and more faithful than anyone you've ever known."
He Loves Me! By Wayne Jacobsen.

If this statement intrigues you, join us in the fall as we study this wonderful book together and learn about the Fathers love for us and His desire that we walk close beside Him in an intimate relationship, feeling secure in His great affection for us.

Kim Ratcliffe

Friday, June 24, 2011

I Love Community Celebration!

July 4, 2011 from 5- 10 PM

Bring your family and some lawn chairs to Bethel Assembly of God in Martinsburg, WV for some fun and relaxation...

Food vendors, inflatables for all ages, pony rides, petting zoo, give-aways, treasure hunt, face painting, balloon art, competitive events, eating contests, musical concert, and the Martinsburg City fireworks to end the evening!!

Thursday, June 23, 2011

The King of Books

"The Bible is the mind of God, and reveals the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. It's doctrines are holy, it's precepts are binding, it's histories are true, and it's decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to supply you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler's map, the pilgrim's staff, the pilot's compass, the soldier's sword, and the Christian's chart. Here paradise is restored, Heaven opened, and the gates of hell disclosed. Christ is it's grand subject our good it's design, and the glory of God it's end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure. It is given to you in life, will be open at the Judgement, and be remembered forever. It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the greatest labor, and condemns all who trifle with it's contents."
Anonymous A Christian publication for British railroad workers entitled "The King of Books" (1891)

No book has ever impacted the world like the Bible. It's the most popular and powerful book on earth and it's influence is growing stronger every day. Many spurn it, ridicule it, attack it, trash it, and even burn it. But it outlives all its critics while, at the same time, transforming the lives of all who receive its message. In good conscience, I can full recommend God's Word to your minds and hearts. I have no reservations at all. We may not fully understand every single verse, but that's only to be expected if our Book comes from an infinite mind. It contains mysteries unfathomable. Yet all we really need to know is contained within its covers. The apostle Peter said, "His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature....
(2 Peter 1:3-4).

Isaac Watts, the great hymnist, was a lifelong bachelor (he once proposed to a girl but was turned down). He lives in borrowed (but elegant) quarters. He spent much of his time writing great hymns and, later, influential textbooks. And he somehow balanced the tasks of pastoring a church and producing a massive volume of published works. He once revealed the secret of his vitality and productivity in this admonition: "Abandon the secret chamber," he warned, "and the spiritual life will decay." In other words, don't miss your devotions! Read, learn, memorize, and obey God's Word every day. It is inspired by Him and therefore indispensable to us. It truly is the king of Books.
Turning Point by David Jeremiah (June issue)

Kim Ratcliffe

Monday, June 20, 2011

The Gardner

On the path I take every evening when I’m walking my dog, I go past an abandoned house. A few weeks back, I noticed a beautiful rose bush with six roses in full bloom. Because of my love of roses, I stopped to admire them. For each rose to be so full, I knew there were years of pruning and care given to this bush. And now it stands alone.

What if the once gardener of this rose bush had become frustrated with the growing process and hacked it away or trimmed too much? What if when it was attacked with disease, the gardener yanked it out of the ground? I’m sure there were times when there was doubt in the gardener’s eyes that this rose bush would ever become the vision of beauty it is today.

We, as mothers, are like the gardner in our child’s life. We have to carefully look after, love, and prune each child given to us by God. There is much time and consideration put into this process. We must take care of their physical needs as well as emotional and spiritual. We can become frustrated and wonder if our efforts will ever produce the beautiful masterpiece we hope to see one day.

While our children are in our care, we can’t give up. The gardner clearly knows what is seeks to achieve~ the bounty of harvest or the rose in full bloom. We need to keep before us the outcome we are striving for in our children.

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galations 6:9

Blessings,
Lisa

Monday, June 6, 2011

Our Summer Schedule!

I hope to see you all this summer. We must be intentional in staying in touch by reaching out with a phone call, having a playdate, and planning an event by inviting others to join you. If during our summer break life takes you by surprise with something upsetting for you or your family, we are only a phone call or email away. Please reach out to someone- your care circle leader, our hospitality coordinator, Christy Shrom, Kim or myself, and of course our prayer support partner, Patricia Law! Do not go it alone when you don’t have to!! If you need prayer, any of us will stop what we are doing to meet and pray with you!!
Lisa
"Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another..." Hebrews 10:25

Tuesday, June 14 Clearbrook Park in Clearbrook, VA- Join us at 10:30 AM for lots of fun on the playground, fishing on the 3-acre lake, paved walking paths (for bikes/scooters), and picnic areas on a beautiful 55-acre park. Bring a packed lunch for your family and let's enjoy the day together! Rain date 6/16.


Tuesday, June 28 Galaxy Skateland Evening Family Event in Martinsburg, WV- Join us from 6:30-9 PM for skating and 3-story huge jungle gym. Price: $2 per person, $2 skate rental, $5 jungle gym (optional). Skate sizes available are kids sizes 8-2, adult sizes 3-15, and rollerblades available upon request.

Monday, July 4 Independence Day "I love Community Celebration" at Bethel Assembly of God beginning at 4 pm. Further info to come.


Tuesday, July 12 Playdate at Allison Adam's house in Kearneysville, WV at 11:00 AM. Bring a dish for lunch to share. If desired, pony rides will be given to the children.


Tuesday, July 26 Jay Dee's Family Fun Center in Inwood, WV- Join us for the water park at 12 Noon. The pricing is $7 per person with slides, $5 without which includes unlimited use of spray toys, slides, and splash pool. Other activities are putt putt golf, nature zone, arcade, and jungle gym area each at individual pricing.


Tuesday, August 9 Chuck E. Cheese in Hagerstown, MD- Join us for lunch and games at 11 AM. Go to http://www.chuckecheese.com/ for special offers and coupons before this event.


Monday, August 29 Back-to-School Bash at War Memorial Park Pool in Martinsburg, WV from 6:30-8:30 PM. Snacks and drinks will be provided. This event is for the whole family!

If you have any questions, feel free to contact our Event Coordinator, Amanda Dagostino, at aeasunshine@verizon.net.