On Tuesday Jennifer Kirsch made a delicious breakfast casserole that many moms enjoyed as part of our brunch. She was so kind to share the recipe with us. Thanks Jennifer!
Ingredients:
1 bag of shredded hashbrowns (refrig. section)
1/4 cup butter (melted)
6 eggs
16 oz. cottage cheese
1 roll of sausage (mild)
12 oz. shredded cheddar cheese
Take the bag of hasbrowns and the melted butter and mix together in the bottom of a deep dish casserole dish.Brown the sausage and drain, then mix together the eggs, cottage cheese, shredded cheese and sausage together in a bowl. Then add the mixed ingredients on top of the hashbrown mixture. Bake at 375 degrees for 1 hour.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Daily Devotion Quote
The reason God's people are destroyed by calamity is not because God doesn't love us, or because God is not able to help us. It is simply that we don't know the truth. If we really knew the truth, we would act on that knowledge. Acting on true knowledge makes you free -- it does not destroy you or put you into bondage.
Jennifer Kirsch
Jennifer Kirsch
Upcoming Events!!
As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17
Friday, January 29 Praise & Worship Night at Bethel Assembly of God in the Sanctuary at 6:30 pm held by Women's Ministries. All ladies are invited. If you need to be refreshed, you will not want to miss it. Childcare is provided.
A peak ahead for February...
Friday, February 5 Family Movie Night at Bethel Assembly of God in the Mace building, room 209 beginning 7 pm. Bring our your whole family, your favorite movie snack, and drink. Popcorn will be provided.
Tuesday, February 9 Topic Meeting-Meet at Bethel Assembly of God in the Mace building, rm 109 at 9:45 am for a time of fellowship, prayer, and discussion! Childcare is provided.
Monday, February 22 Mom's Game Night at Amanda Dagostino's house at 6 pm. Bring an appetizer to share.
Tuesday, February 23 Topic Meeting- Meet at Bethel Assembly of God in the Mace building, rm 109 at 9:45 am for a time of fellowship, prayer, and discussion! Childcare is provided.
Friday, January 29 Praise & Worship Night at Bethel Assembly of God in the Sanctuary at 6:30 pm held by Women's Ministries. All ladies are invited. If you need to be refreshed, you will not want to miss it. Childcare is provided.
A peak ahead for February...
Friday, February 5 Family Movie Night at Bethel Assembly of God in the Mace building, room 209 beginning 7 pm. Bring our your whole family, your favorite movie snack, and drink. Popcorn will be provided.
Tuesday, February 9 Topic Meeting-Meet at Bethel Assembly of God in the Mace building, rm 109 at 9:45 am for a time of fellowship, prayer, and discussion! Childcare is provided.
Monday, February 22 Mom's Game Night at Amanda Dagostino's house at 6 pm. Bring an appetizer to share.
Tuesday, February 23 Topic Meeting- Meet at Bethel Assembly of God in the Mace building, rm 109 at 9:45 am for a time of fellowship, prayer, and discussion! Childcare is provided.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Give a day Get a day
This past Friday, my family participated in Disney's "Get a Day Give a Day" program where you volunteer a day of your time and in return they will give you a free ticket to Disney to be used before the end of this year.
My family volunteered at a psychiatric hospital (Brooklane) in Hagerstown, Md. We helped by sanding and painting tables, benches, and chairs. We also sorted through textbooks and boxed them up, as well as moved furniture. Our day began at 8am and ended at 2pm. The staff members were so excited to have help and even if we didn't get the ticket the looks on their faces made it worth it.
You can also choose to volunteer and then donate your free ticket to a charity. Below is the link where you can read about the program and search for opportunities near you.
http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/disneyparks/en_US/WhatWillYouCelebrate/index?name=Give-A-Day-Get-A-Disney-Day-Terms-Conditions-FAQs
Janine DiGiovanni
My family volunteered at a psychiatric hospital (Brooklane) in Hagerstown, Md. We helped by sanding and painting tables, benches, and chairs. We also sorted through textbooks and boxed them up, as well as moved furniture. Our day began at 8am and ended at 2pm. The staff members were so excited to have help and even if we didn't get the ticket the looks on their faces made it worth it.
You can also choose to volunteer and then donate your free ticket to a charity. Below is the link where you can read about the program and search for opportunities near you.
http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/disneyparks/en_US/WhatWillYouCelebrate/index?name=Give-A-Day-Get-A-Disney-Day-Terms-Conditions-FAQs
Janine DiGiovanni
Monday, January 25, 2010
Be an encourager!
We all need encouragement. I know I need a lot of it. Recently God has brought to mind the many people who have encouraged me. When I was down, feeling a lack of confidence, or hurt God sent someone to build me up. God sends people to us at different times to encourage us in different ways based on our area of need. In fact God's word tells us to encourage one another. Hebrews 3:13 says "But encourage one another daily, as long as it is Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness."
Every day we are to encourage one another. Encourage means to strengthen. Through encouragement we gain strength to keep going. This is very important for us as we serve the Lord. When thing get hard we may be tempted to get our eyes off of God, to turn away, or even to fall into sin. Galatians 6:9 says, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." What helps us apply the first part of that verse to our lives is the encouragement of the second part..."we will reap a harvest". Even people in the highest places of leadership need encouragement. Encouragement also means to stimulate or to rouse to action, to excite. It is those who encourage us who enable us to be all we were called to be, who help us shine. Barnabas is a great example of this. His name means "Son of Encouragement". My Life Application Study Bible says this about him. "Barnabas was drawn to people he could encourage, and he was a great help to those around him. It is delightful that wherever Barnabas encouraged Christians, non-Christians flocked to become believers. Barnabas' actions were crucial to the early church. In a way, we can thank him for most of the New Testament. God used his relationship with Paul at one point and with Mark at another to keep these two men going when either might have failed. As Barnabas' life shows we are rarely in a situation where there isn't someone we can encourage." Because of Barnabas' encouragement Paul and Mark were inspired to keep going in the direction God was leading them and were able to accomplish great things.
Today let's remember those who have encouraged and inspired us in the Lord and determine to look for someone we may encourage in the body of Christ. "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:25 "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds." Hebrews 10:24
Kim Ratcliffe
Every day we are to encourage one another. Encourage means to strengthen. Through encouragement we gain strength to keep going. This is very important for us as we serve the Lord. When thing get hard we may be tempted to get our eyes off of God, to turn away, or even to fall into sin. Galatians 6:9 says, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." What helps us apply the first part of that verse to our lives is the encouragement of the second part..."we will reap a harvest". Even people in the highest places of leadership need encouragement. Encouragement also means to stimulate or to rouse to action, to excite. It is those who encourage us who enable us to be all we were called to be, who help us shine. Barnabas is a great example of this. His name means "Son of Encouragement". My Life Application Study Bible says this about him. "Barnabas was drawn to people he could encourage, and he was a great help to those around him. It is delightful that wherever Barnabas encouraged Christians, non-Christians flocked to become believers. Barnabas' actions were crucial to the early church. In a way, we can thank him for most of the New Testament. God used his relationship with Paul at one point and with Mark at another to keep these two men going when either might have failed. As Barnabas' life shows we are rarely in a situation where there isn't someone we can encourage." Because of Barnabas' encouragement Paul and Mark were inspired to keep going in the direction God was leading them and were able to accomplish great things.
Today let's remember those who have encouraged and inspired us in the Lord and determine to look for someone we may encourage in the body of Christ. "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:25 "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds." Hebrews 10:24
Kim Ratcliffe
Thursday, January 21, 2010
You have the right to remain silent!
Recently during a church service I was attending, God spoke to me through the pastor's message. I never dreamed that I would be so interested in that service and what kind of impact it would have in my life. The pastor spoke on having the right to remain silent and briefly here is what he said:
1. You have the right to remain silent if you have nothing nice to say. Like most of us were taught "If you do not have anything nice to say, do not say anything at all".
2. You have the right to remain silent when in the presence of God. Sometimes after we have prayed, we need to wait for God to talk!
3. You have the right to remain silent if you're being wrongly accused of something. We would like to take up for ourselves and our families to whomever is talking bad about us. But if we step back and walk away, then God will solve the problem in His way.
God knew I was going to be there and that I needed to hear it. It still surprises me whenever I learn new things and what kind of impact it has on my heart. It makes me take a look at my life in a different way. I learned from that service that it's okay even in God's eyes to be silent and that He understands me. Because it meant something to me, I wanted to pass this on to others.
Marci Faro
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Events for January
"When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor." Psalms 8:4-5
Tuesday, January 26 Topic Meeting- Meet at Bethel Assembly of God in the Mace building, rm 109 at 9:45 am for a time of fellowship, prayer, and discussion! Childcare is provided.
Friday, January 29 Praise & Worship Night at Bethel Assembly of God in the Sanctuary at 6:30 pm held by Women's Ministries. All ladies are invited. If you need to be refreshed, you will not want to miss it. Childcare is provided.
A peak ahead for February...
Friday, February 5 Family Movie Night at Bethel Assembly of God in the Mace building, room 209 beginning 7 pm. Bring our your whole family, your favorite movie snack, and drink. Popcorn will be provided.
Tuesday, January 26 Topic Meeting- Meet at Bethel Assembly of God in the Mace building, rm 109 at 9:45 am for a time of fellowship, prayer, and discussion! Childcare is provided.
Friday, January 29 Praise & Worship Night at Bethel Assembly of God in the Sanctuary at 6:30 pm held by Women's Ministries. All ladies are invited. If you need to be refreshed, you will not want to miss it. Childcare is provided.
A peak ahead for February...
Friday, February 5 Family Movie Night at Bethel Assembly of God in the Mace building, room 209 beginning 7 pm. Bring our your whole family, your favorite movie snack, and drink. Popcorn will be provided.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Testimony by Robin Coburn
How awesome it is when a loved one surprises you with an unexpected gift? We wonder what we did to deserve such a gesture. Did you know God desires to give us, His children, the best gifts possible?
I would like to take a few minutes to share just how good and awesome our God is. When we choose to be obedient in all things and to remain faithful in all situations, watch out! You never know when God will surprise you. As the Christmas season made its grand entrance in mid October, I briefly thought I will have no money for Christmas. I will have no money to buy those special gifts that my children would put on their wish list because I recently became a single mom. I have only been divorced a few short months and did not have any extra money. However, never once did I fret or worry. Then about two weeks later, I had someone in my church approach me. They had been wondering how I was doing and thought that I may need some help for Christmas. At the time this person approached me no one knew about my earlier thought, only God. God had known my thought and he made it a point to put on another person's heart. And to make a long story short God took care of that need! My children were blessed and I as well. We had a wonderful Christmas! I encourage you to always look to God, because He does care and love you like no one else. Trust in Him.
Recently, I came across this verse in Psalms 35:7 and it reads, "Commit thy ways unto the Lord, trust in him, and he shall bring it to past." Whatever you are praying or believing for, trust God!!!!
Robin Coburn
I would like to take a few minutes to share just how good and awesome our God is. When we choose to be obedient in all things and to remain faithful in all situations, watch out! You never know when God will surprise you. As the Christmas season made its grand entrance in mid October, I briefly thought I will have no money for Christmas. I will have no money to buy those special gifts that my children would put on their wish list because I recently became a single mom. I have only been divorced a few short months and did not have any extra money. However, never once did I fret or worry. Then about two weeks later, I had someone in my church approach me. They had been wondering how I was doing and thought that I may need some help for Christmas. At the time this person approached me no one knew about my earlier thought, only God. God had known my thought and he made it a point to put on another person's heart. And to make a long story short God took care of that need! My children were blessed and I as well. We had a wonderful Christmas! I encourage you to always look to God, because He does care and love you like no one else. Trust in Him.
Recently, I came across this verse in Psalms 35:7 and it reads, "Commit thy ways unto the Lord, trust in him, and he shall bring it to past." Whatever you are praying or believing for, trust God!!!!
Robin Coburn
Monday, January 18, 2010
Sometimes God says, "Stay"!
Often in God's Word we will read about how God spoke to one of His followers about going somewhere to accomplish something for the Kingdom. God spoke to Abraham and asked him to leave his family and move to the land of Canaan (Gen. 12:1). God asked Jonah to go to Nineveh (Jonah 1:2). God told Joshua to lead the Israelites out of the desert and into the promise land (Joshua 1:6). Jesus asked each of the disciples to follow him (Mark 2:14; Matthew 4:19). Again and again, men were asked to go to follow wherever God may lead them.
Even in today's time, God calls men and women all over the world to leave the comfort and safety of their country and their homes to go. We are taught the great commission in God's Word "therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:16-20). As our spirits grow more in line with God's and our hearts love Him more, we find ourselves saying as Isaiah did, "Here am I. Send me" (Isaiah 6:8). Our whole being stirs within us to give a contribution to further the gospel because it has been so life changing for us.
However not all of us are given the call to go. Instead of hearing "go", we hear God's gentle voice say to us, "stay". The mom hears stay so she can raise her children to love and serve only God. The dad hears stay so he can model Christ's likeness to his coworkers and lead them to salvation. The Sunday school teacher hears stay so he/she can show faithfulness and commitment to the next generation. The prayer warrior hears stay so he/she can keep praying for their family, church, and the world around them. The church member hears stay so they can encourage, love, and support the body of Christ. There are times we need to learn to be content to stay where God has planted us. To be content in the area of service that God has called us. God does not want us to look at other people's service as being greater. "Godliness with contentment is great gain" (1 Timothy 6:6).
Let's encourage each other to be "like a tree planted by the streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers" (Psalms 1:3).
Blessings,
Lisa
Even in today's time, God calls men and women all over the world to leave the comfort and safety of their country and their homes to go. We are taught the great commission in God's Word "therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:16-20). As our spirits grow more in line with God's and our hearts love Him more, we find ourselves saying as Isaiah did, "Here am I. Send me" (Isaiah 6:8). Our whole being stirs within us to give a contribution to further the gospel because it has been so life changing for us.
However not all of us are given the call to go. Instead of hearing "go", we hear God's gentle voice say to us, "stay". The mom hears stay so she can raise her children to love and serve only God. The dad hears stay so he can model Christ's likeness to his coworkers and lead them to salvation. The Sunday school teacher hears stay so he/she can show faithfulness and commitment to the next generation. The prayer warrior hears stay so he/she can keep praying for their family, church, and the world around them. The church member hears stay so they can encourage, love, and support the body of Christ. There are times we need to learn to be content to stay where God has planted us. To be content in the area of service that God has called us. God does not want us to look at other people's service as being greater. "Godliness with contentment is great gain" (1 Timothy 6:6).
Let's encourage each other to be "like a tree planted by the streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers" (Psalms 1:3).
Blessings,
Lisa
Friday, January 15, 2010
Bread Pudding Recipe
During our topic meeting on Tuesday, Stacie made a delicious bread pudding! Many of you requested the recipe so here it is:
Bread Pudding Recipe
2 cups milk
1/2 stick melted butter
2 beaten eggs
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. salt
6 cups (approx. 8 slices) torn bread
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Mix everything and pour into an ungreased casserole dish. Place casserole dish in a pan of 1 inch deep hot water. Bake uncovered for 45 minutes.
Thank you for sharing this with us Stacie!!
Bread Pudding Recipe
2 cups milk
1/2 stick melted butter
2 beaten eggs
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. salt
6 cups (approx. 8 slices) torn bread
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Mix everything and pour into an ungreased casserole dish. Place casserole dish in a pan of 1 inch deep hot water. Bake uncovered for 45 minutes.
Thank you for sharing this with us Stacie!!
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Pump It Up Playdate
On Tuesday, April 6 Mom's Connection has a playdate at Pump It Up in Williamsport, MD. As seen in the pictures it is a private indoor arena filled with gigantic inflatable slides, bounce houses, obstacle courses and more. Your child must be a minimum of 34 inches tall to play and the cost is $7 per child which gives us 1 1/2 hours of play time!! We will be meeting at 9:45 am for a brief safety video and for parents to sign a waiver. Then the fun begins at 10 am.
If you don't want to wait until April, they will do birthdays, special event, or check out when they are open for anyone. For more information, go to http://www.pumpitupparty.com/.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Events for January
Tuesday, January 12 Topic Meeting- Meet at Bethel Assembly of God in the Mace building, rm 109 at 9:45 am for a time of fellowship, prayer, and discussion! Childcare is provided.
Tuesday, January 26 Topic Meeting- Meet at Bethel Assembly of God in the Mace building, rm 109 at 9:45 am for a time of fellowship, prayer, and discussion! Childcare is provided.
Friday, January 29 Praise & Worship Night at Bethel Assembly of God in the Sanctuary at 6:30 pm held by Women's Ministries. Childcare is provided.
Tuesday, January 26 Topic Meeting- Meet at Bethel Assembly of God in the Mace building, rm 109 at 9:45 am for a time of fellowship, prayer, and discussion! Childcare is provided.
Friday, January 29 Praise & Worship Night at Bethel Assembly of God in the Sanctuary at 6:30 pm held by Women's Ministries. Childcare is provided.
Monday, January 11, 2010
True Children
When we give our hearts to God we are adopted as His children and are automatically a part of His family. Romans 8:13-17 says, "For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of son ship. And by him we cry, 'Abba, Father'. The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now, if indeed we are children, then we are heirs-heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory."
In Roman culture, the adopted person lost all rights in his old family and gained all the rights of a legitimate child in his new family. Roman law guaranteed the adopted child all legal rights to his father's property even if he was formerly a slave. We were once slaves to sin but once we gave our heart to Christ we were adopted into His family and now share in His inheritance. We become "heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ" (vs.17a). Even though we were once slaves, God has adopted us as His children and made us heirs with Christ that "if we share in His sufferings we may also share in His glory" (vs. 17b). But how do we show that we are a part of God's family? How does anyone recognise us as one of His children? Romans 8:14 says "those led by the Spirit of God are sons of God" If we are led by our own ambitions, thoughts, and desires we are children of the devil.
John 8:38-42 says, "I am telling you what I have seen in the Father's presence, and you do what you have heard from your father. 'Abraham is our father,' they answered. 'If you were Abraham's children,' said Jesus, 'then you would do the things Abraham did. As it is, you are determined to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. Abraham did not do such things. You are doing the things your own father does.' 'We are not illegitimate children,' they protested. 'The only Father we have is God himself.' Jesus said to them. 'If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now am here.'" The religious leaders in Jesus day were hereditary children of Abraham and therefore claimed to be children of God. But their actions showed them to be true children of satan. True children of Abraham would not act as they did.
Our church membership and family connections do not make us true children of God. Our true father is the one we imitate and obey. As members of God's family we are to love and obey God allowing His spirit to work through us. When we serve in the church it should not be out of selfish ambition but out of our love for God. We are to treat each member of our church family equally and with love the way God does and welcome in new members with joy and acceptance, building them up in the faith. There is no seniority in a family. We are not more special because of our family ties, length of service, or the positions we hold. Let's show that we are true children of God by loving, obeying and imitating Him and by working together with our brothers and sisters in Christ so that He may be glorified.
Kim Ratcliffe
In Roman culture, the adopted person lost all rights in his old family and gained all the rights of a legitimate child in his new family. Roman law guaranteed the adopted child all legal rights to his father's property even if he was formerly a slave. We were once slaves to sin but once we gave our heart to Christ we were adopted into His family and now share in His inheritance. We become "heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ" (vs.17a). Even though we were once slaves, God has adopted us as His children and made us heirs with Christ that "if we share in His sufferings we may also share in His glory" (vs. 17b). But how do we show that we are a part of God's family? How does anyone recognise us as one of His children? Romans 8:14 says "those led by the Spirit of God are sons of God" If we are led by our own ambitions, thoughts, and desires we are children of the devil.
John 8:38-42 says, "I am telling you what I have seen in the Father's presence, and you do what you have heard from your father. 'Abraham is our father,' they answered. 'If you were Abraham's children,' said Jesus, 'then you would do the things Abraham did. As it is, you are determined to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. Abraham did not do such things. You are doing the things your own father does.' 'We are not illegitimate children,' they protested. 'The only Father we have is God himself.' Jesus said to them. 'If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now am here.'" The religious leaders in Jesus day were hereditary children of Abraham and therefore claimed to be children of God. But their actions showed them to be true children of satan. True children of Abraham would not act as they did.
Our church membership and family connections do not make us true children of God. Our true father is the one we imitate and obey. As members of God's family we are to love and obey God allowing His spirit to work through us. When we serve in the church it should not be out of selfish ambition but out of our love for God. We are to treat each member of our church family equally and with love the way God does and welcome in new members with joy and acceptance, building them up in the faith. There is no seniority in a family. We are not more special because of our family ties, length of service, or the positions we hold. Let's show that we are true children of God by loving, obeying and imitating Him and by working together with our brothers and sisters in Christ so that He may be glorified.
Kim Ratcliffe
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Upcoming Events!!
Our next topic meeting is Tuesday, January 12, 2010 Join us at Bethel Assembly of God in the Mace building, rm 109 (large center room on first floor) from 9:45-11:45 AM. Our meetings consist of brunch, discussion groups, and prayer. Childcare is provided.
If you are not already in a care circle, please consider which topic study you would like to be apart of this Spring Semester. They are the following:
Our Thought Life
Battlefield of the Mind, by Joyce Meyer
Worry, doubt, confusion, depression, anger, and feelings of condemnation: all these are attacks on the mind". In this book, Joyce Meyer will show you how to "change your life by changing your mind". She will help you: "Gain control over your mind and find freedom and peace, Recognize damaging thoughts and stop them from influencing your life, Be patient with yourself even when you make mistakes, Arm yourself with the Word of God, praise, and other powerful spiritual weapons, and Follow the light out of your mental "wilderness"-the bad attitudes and excuses people use that keep them from God, and find undreamed-of happiness and fulfillment".
Our Marriage
For Women Only, by Shaunti Feldhahn and Becoming the Woman of His Dreams, by Sharon Jaynes
Do you want to know what makes your husband tick and what you can do about it? Do you want to know what you can do to improve your marriage? Topics will include: What your man wishes you knew, praying for your spouse, how to safeguard your marriage, why respect is so important, and being his chief cheerleader or critic.
Parenting
Being A Great Mom Raising Great Kids by Sharon Jaynes
Hooray for motherhood! We feel that way mostly but sometimes it's hard. We need encouragement and support to continue in this challenging profession and responsibility. If a mom was given a manual for child rearing, this would be it! It is filled with biblical principles and inspiring stories to teach and guide you into being a great mom.
If you are not already in a care circle, please consider which topic study you would like to be apart of this Spring Semester. They are the following:
Our Thought Life
Battlefield of the Mind, by Joyce Meyer
Worry, doubt, confusion, depression, anger, and feelings of condemnation: all these are attacks on the mind". In this book, Joyce Meyer will show you how to "change your life by changing your mind". She will help you: "Gain control over your mind and find freedom and peace, Recognize damaging thoughts and stop them from influencing your life, Be patient with yourself even when you make mistakes, Arm yourself with the Word of God, praise, and other powerful spiritual weapons, and Follow the light out of your mental "wilderness"-the bad attitudes and excuses people use that keep them from God, and find undreamed-of happiness and fulfillment".
Our Marriage
For Women Only, by Shaunti Feldhahn and Becoming the Woman of His Dreams, by Sharon Jaynes
Do you want to know what makes your husband tick and what you can do about it? Do you want to know what you can do to improve your marriage? Topics will include: What your man wishes you knew, praying for your spouse, how to safeguard your marriage, why respect is so important, and being his chief cheerleader or critic.
Parenting
Being A Great Mom Raising Great Kids by Sharon Jaynes
Hooray for motherhood! We feel that way mostly but sometimes it's hard. We need encouragement and support to continue in this challenging profession and responsibility. If a mom was given a manual for child rearing, this would be it! It is filled with biblical principles and inspiring stories to teach and guide you into being a great mom.
Restore
Lord,
May your living water
trickle, seep, soak,
past the shallow, stony shale
of my soul.
Grind, grate, soften,
Those stony places yet untouched by
the heat of your sacrifice
and root in me
deep and green.
Ruth DeJager
"Jesus answered, 'Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.'"
John 4:13-14
May your living water
trickle, seep, soak,
past the shallow, stony shale
of my soul.
Grind, grate, soften,
Those stony places yet untouched by
the heat of your sacrifice
and root in me
deep and green.
Ruth DeJager
"Jesus answered, 'Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.'"
John 4:13-14
Monday, January 4, 2010
Reflections
At the end of 2009, I found myself reflecting over the past year. I remembered the many blessings of God in my life. Mom's Connection was made a ministry at Bethel Assembly of God! I was given-free of charge-a beautiful table with six chairs! God gave me opportunities to bless others! The life and health of my husband and children! Then I thought of the disappointments and hurts over the year. I lost my sweet Siberian Husky, Sierra. Several family concerns arose during the year. The difficulties I had with my son's teacher at school. God knew what the whole year of 2009 was going to hold for me. In every situation I witnessed His presence, His provision, His favor, and most of all His great love towards me.
God saw me through another year and I am looking ahead to what He will do this year in 2010. While thinking of the possibilities, God said "I am doing a new thing!" Over and over I heard it repeated. Then He led me to the scripture in Isaiah 43:18-19, "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland." There is a time to reflect on the past but then God wants us to look forward.
Maybe like me, you need to be reminded that God has a new thing ahead. In doing so we do not ignore the deserts and wastelands in our lives because as you know all of our cares did not evaporate as the new year was ushered in. God doesn't pretend those concerns don't exist and He doesn't want us to either. Instead He wants to make a way! What have you carried over? Take a moment and think about what the wasteland is in your life. Maybe you have not seen a flicker of life in a long time! But God says a stream is coming! And the river of God is full of life. Believe it! "Where the river flows everything will live" (Ezekiel 47:9). Let the hope God brings to our lives well up in you as the new things He has are now springing up.
Hold Fast,
Lisa
God saw me through another year and I am looking ahead to what He will do this year in 2010. While thinking of the possibilities, God said "I am doing a new thing!" Over and over I heard it repeated. Then He led me to the scripture in Isaiah 43:18-19, "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland." There is a time to reflect on the past but then God wants us to look forward.
Maybe like me, you need to be reminded that God has a new thing ahead. In doing so we do not ignore the deserts and wastelands in our lives because as you know all of our cares did not evaporate as the new year was ushered in. God doesn't pretend those concerns don't exist and He doesn't want us to either. Instead He wants to make a way! What have you carried over? Take a moment and think about what the wasteland is in your life. Maybe you have not seen a flicker of life in a long time! But God says a stream is coming! And the river of God is full of life. Believe it! "Where the river flows everything will live" (Ezekiel 47:9). Let the hope God brings to our lives well up in you as the new things He has are now springing up.
Hold Fast,
Lisa
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)