Bible Study

Need ideas for a new Bible study.... also..are we better off on Friday mornings, or would an evening be better? Please let me know.

The Whisper of God Thought for the Day: “Never underestimate anything you do. Even the smallest act of kindness can bring God into someone’s life. You are God’s ambassador, represent Him well.” Have a sensational day today my friends! – Elmer Laydon

What do you do?

When someone won't forgive you?

What Matters Most

July 19, 2010

By: Julie Clinton, M.A. "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:21

Food. Alcohol. An affair. Shopping. Exercise. Obsessions with hobbies or a job. Too often, instead of looking to God and the relationships He’s placed in our lives, we look to other things to fill the emptiness and ease the confusion we feel. But how well we live hinges entirely on our ability to develop healthy relationships with others.

And herein lies the secret to making every day count. To focus on what matters most – time with God and those we love. This is incredibly difficult to do in a world that values anything but intimacy with others. Wealth. Beauty. Fame. The decision to focus on our relationships—with God and others—is directly at odds with what society values.

If relationships with God and others are what matter most in life, we need to ask ourselves what we’re doing to strengthen these closest relationships. Often, we’re so caught up in life that we inadvertently put our connections with others on autopilot, hoping that the relationships will still be intact when life settles down a bit. Because life rarely settles down, we can go weeks, months, and even years without investing time in the people we love most.

Where is your heart? Is it trapped by the human desire to store up treasure in this world? Or do you focus on people the way Jesus did when He was here on earth?

Prayer
Prayer: O Lord. Fill me with the desire for relationship—with You and with the people I love the most. Help me to realize that if I treasure relationship above everything else, that is where I will put my heart and my time. Amen.

Bible Readings for the Week Ahead:

Monday: Ephesians 5:2, 19, 30

Tuesday: Colossians 3:16

Wednesday: Colossians 2:2

Thursday: Malachi 3:16

Friday: Luke 24:13, 14, 15

Saturday: Psalm 55:14

Sunday: 1 John 1:3, 7

Lost Emails

A glitch on my computer took all of my email addresses over a month ago. I have lost all of you. If you would like to be on the Women's Ministry email list, please forward your email addresses to Marian@theeffect.org.  Thank you!!!

We start our days with the best of intentions. A good morning to God as we whisk our way out of bed and start our routine. Making lunches, making breakfast, making sure the kids are dressed and ready for school, make sure they have everything they need to take to school (or you'll get a call sometime during the day to make that trip again). Then the tornado we call getting ready in the morning has to be tended to. Picking up clothes off of the floor, cleaning the kitchen, dishes, floor stovetop. If your kitchen is like ours, everything ends up here...kids toys, books, mail, drawing creations, etc. It is hard to figure out what must go. New things do not always have a desingated place, so much to the chagrin of my husband, these things stay in the kitchen.

We drag ourselves to the bathroom, look in the mirror and somewhat remember the face staring back at us. Is that really me. Mom? Are you visiting? Who took my face, I want it back. I realize I had too much salt the night before and my face is a little doughy today. The bags under my eyes will slowly disappear (I've heard that hemorroid cream is good for this). A shower, some make up to replace the color that age seems to have taken away...doesn't just happen to leaves my friends. Squeeze into my jeans, I can swear they fit me yesterday..remembering the chips, hmmmmm.

The dogs have no food. There is no more syrup for pancakes. This is drastic in my home. Off to the store. By the time I reach the checkout somehow 20 more things that I must've needed have shown up in my cart. Budget, yes, we have a budget, but a staple in my home is tortillas, another is shredded cheese, oh and Kraft macaroni (pandomonium sets in when there is no Kraft or Top Ramen) soda, even though we have been saying for years now that we are going to quit.. "Thank you Mrs. Brisbin!."  "You've saved XX dollars today"...with a smile.. and I know she is thinking in her head, "And you have secured my job for yet another day, keep coming back, it works!

This is just a part of my day. Why am I regurgitating my morning? To show you that in that time I had just a little bit of human contact. From the sleep eyes and groans from my children, to the "almost made it" kiss from my husband as he darts to his car. From the slam of the door from my 20 year old... I have been on my own. Now roaming the isles of the local grocery store, it's Stepford Village. Either there is no eye contact whatsoever, or it is a grin from a beautifully dressed and gorgeous woman who really should have sent her maid to do her shopping (I would hate to break those nails...must've cost at least the groceries I am about to purchase).

Human contact! We need it. We thrive in it. We shrivel without it. We resort (not I, of course) but many resort to chat rooms.. a voice on the other end of the keyboard! "They" understand! For me, it has been facebook. Connecting with old school friends and workers has helped me feel connected to the world again. But what happened to human contact.

We come home from our days, exhausted, spent. Maybe there was a school meeting that needed to be attended. A church meeting, a sporting event, we just keep moving...moving...no time to sit and talk. Like people before our time used to do. They didn't have it easy either (no washing machines!!!) But somehow they managed to get everything done (or save some for the next day) and sit on a porch and watch their children play. Maybe sit with a few neighbors over coffee or lemonade and chat. Those days are gone. Do you know there are interenet groups now called Mom's Cafe? It is supposed to resemble mom's sitting around connecting. This is what life has come to.

So, why am I rambling on. I am putting out a call to all ladies, single, married, young and old. We all need each other. The young (even though they don't see it yet) really need the wisdom of the older women.  The single need the wisdom of the married women, sometimes the married woman needs the wisdome of the single woman...just to put some life back into our lives.

Friends and family are so important. Women, find friends!! They are out there. I know, I have heard. Thinking of starting a Bingo or Bunko night here, just to get the ladies together.Praying that God will send me a revelation of where to start and what to do to bond and grow the relationships between the women of our church and beyond. Sisters....we need sisters.... and that doesn't mean just biological. Men need men, women need women. Some of are losing that. We need it back.

Since I am just sitting in the office right now, I do not have my Bible next to me. I have someone elses, but I have my scriptures marked. I will share them with you later to complete this thougth.

Please pray about this. Bonding and growing our Women's ministry, relationships, friendships to last a lifetime. I believe this is what God wants for us. I pray that we have time to make this happen.

Have a wonderful day! Love you all!
Marian

We Will Not Forget You Vanessa!

Expectations

I know that a book can be written about "expectations" and how they can move us forward, and how they can destroy us... But I won't go there right now.

We need to put our expectations in the Lord and not in things and people. I know that this is easier said than done. I have done this myself.  So, let's start here:
"Lord, I look to You for everything I need in my life.  Help me to put all of my expectations in You."

And whenever you are disappointed because your needs are not being met, talk to yourself and say, "My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him." (Psalm 62:5).  Then tell God about your needs and everthing that is in your heart. Don't worry, He won't be surprised or shocked. He already knows. He is just waiting to hear it from you.

Seven Signs of a Desirable Friend - By Stormie Omartian

1.  A desirable friend tells you the truth in love. "Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.  (Proverbs 27:6)

2. A desirable friend gives you sound advice.  "Ointment and perfume delight the heart, and the sweetness of a man's friend gives delight in hearty counsel" (Proverbs 27:9)

3. A desirable friend refines you.  "As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend." (Proverbs: 27:17)

4. A desirable friend helps you grow in wisdom.  "He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed." (Proverbs 13:20)

5. A desirable friend stays close to you.  "A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."

6. A desirable friend loves and stands by you.  "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity" (Proverbs 17:17)

7. A desirable friend is a help in time of trouble.  "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him." (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)

God in Our Lives

June 30, 2009 By: Elmer Category: God in our lives
I always try to keep a positive attitude.
For the most part, I believe that I have a pretty good life and overall there really isn’t a lot for me to be in much of a bad mood about. However, like everyone else, from time to time it happens. The reason for my getting in a bad mood is generally due to life stresses that we all face on a daily basis.
As much as I might try to keep a fairly level head and calm attitude, there are times that it seems that certain things “catch up to me”. However, when they do, I always try to relax and return to the fact that I do have a pretty good life.
Sometimes, even though I have faith that my life is playing out the way that God wants it to, I need a little reassurance to let me know that all is still good. So when I do, I will ask God to give me some kind of sign that whatever I am troubled over is going to be alright.
I am always surprised with the answer that I get.
The other night, while at the end of a vacation, I was a little upset about what seemed to be a lot of little things. I was sitting at a restaurant on the water and had just watched a beautiful sunset. After the sun had set and the sky had darkened, I was thinking about why I was upset and, as I do sometimes, I asked God to give me a sign to let me know that everything was okay. As I asked that, simultaneously a star appeared in the sky and a light from a boat appeared on the horizon. I was wondering if this was supposed to mean something when a thought popped into my head: I am like a boat at sea navigating with a sextant and God is my guiding star.
I started wondering to myself if I was just making this all up in my mind; so, I asked if this was really the sign I was supposed to get. At that moment one of the biggest shooting stars that I have ever seen shot straight across the sky right towards the boat and the star. I knew that I was not alone – God was with me – and that all was going to be alright. So I gave my troubles up to God and enjoyed the rest of my evening.
God gives us signs all of the time. In case we don’t see the signs, we have been told by God that we should not fear anything because He is always with us.
If we look to the bible for how God’s love for us helps us through difficult to troubling times, we can find the following passages:
Psalm 94:18-19 says “When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your love, O LORD, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.
1 Peter 5:6-7 tells us “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
God does help us navigate through the daily stresses of life and He is always there with us. So next time you are feeling stressed, reflect on the two passages above and ask God for a sign that everything will be okay. Once you do, keep yourself open as you never know how His sign might come to you.

Just Another Day

Fed the dogs, fed the cat, took my shower, woke up Sean, woke up Brennan, followed Sean around the house making sure he was getting ready. Made my coffee.....ok, now I'm awake. Reminded Dave he was driving Sean to STAR testing today. Sleepily, he responded...but did he truly hear me :o) ?  Tried to find clean clothes for Sean, got Brennan dressed. Made breakfast for Sean, and a healthy snack to take to testing. Asked Dave again if it was ok that he take Sean to testing, he seemed soooo tired. He responded with a nod.. no smiles on anyone yet. Packed a snack for Bren and me to take to work. Filled my car with Brennan's Nintendo 64 and all of his games (he will be with me until 2 pm), and some toys he requested. Got Sean up from the couch to brush his teeth and hair.. heard an "ughhhh" come from him.. no one was speaking yet, except for Brennan, who can speak in his sleep and non-stop all day long, and with a happy smile :o) .. Handed Sean his healthy snack and a water and watched Sean and Dave drive away, on their way to Mission Viejo. Finished dressing, makeup (much needed) hair...yes, it's red again. Clothes are fitting a little tight, whew, found something that fit. Made it to the car with time to spare... needed to be at work at 9:30 am. Clicked Brennan in, pulled out of the driveway and we were on our way!!!

All of that in 1-1/2 hour!! We made it.

Now Brennan and I are here at work. Made coffee for our customers, set up Brennan's games. It is slow, so I have time to Blog. Found a cartoon that Brennan loves on Frank's computer (thank you Frank!).

A couple of hours pass... I am shopping for the store... Dave called. His van broke down!! He was on his way to pick up Sean from school! Ok...here we goooooooo... Now I'm AAA service, with a smile of course, and need to really get my smile on because Sean will be upset that he was the last one picked up from school. (embarrassing to a 13 year old), and Dave will be upset, because he let his van run out of gas ( embarrassing for my guy)....San Juan Capo to Mission Viejo in 10 minutes! How did we do that? Thank you Lord. Now to pick up Dave. Yep, he's not on top of the world. Let's go get some gas... let's go home!!

Why am I writing all of this???

Moms! I want you to know, that even if you don't hear it on a daily basis...you are the heart of your home. God has given us this immense task. Your attitude, mood, everything about you sets the tone of your home and of your family, and sometimes just those you find yourself with. Sometimes I feel this is unfair. We have our bad days too. We can't go in our room and have a tantrum and slam the door. We can't get in the car and drive away (fast) when we have little ones at home. Our husbands...as loving as they are, do not understand what we go through on a daily basis. Remember, Men are from Mars, Women from Venus? I never read the book .. the title was enough for me.. yes it is true.

So, who do we go to when we need to be refreshed, affirmed, held, filled? Our husbands, yes, Friends, yes, we need our friends. But, before all others, there is One above all people that we should lean on, lean into, call on, cry to, pray to when we need that steel support to hold us up.

Have you called on Him lately, or are you feeling so down you are like the super slime stuck in the crevices of my carpet? (thanks kids). Maybe you feel you can't breathe, can't find one positive thought today? Have you felt like this for too long? Then my friend, what you have is a syndrome called "Wrong way Pathitis" That's Path "I" Tis. You are not on the right path. You've stepped off somewhere along the way. Can't  remember when? It's ok.. It's not hard to find that path again. I've been there, done that....The direction, the way, is in your Bible.

Follow me.........Here we go....... baby steps...one in front of the other...come on ladies, moms, grandmothers, aunties, all of you...deep calming breathe..now read:

Be still and rest in the Lord; wait for Him and patiently lean yourself upon Him; Psalm 37: 7

Love is patient; love is kind. Love is not jealous; is not proud; is not conceited; does not act foolishly; is not selfish; is not easily provoked to anger; keeps no record of wrongs; takes no pleasure in unrighteousness, but rejoices in the truth; love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. ~I Corinthians 13:4-7

Now may the God Who gives the power of patient endurance (steadfastness) and Who supplies encouragement, grant you to live in such mutual harmony and such full sympathy with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus. Romans 15:5

In the day of my trouble I will call on You, for You will answer me. Psalm 86:7

Finally brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of a good report - if there is any virtue and if there is any praise- think on these things. ~Philippians 4:8

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, Who loved us and gave us everlasting consolation and encouragement and well-founded hope through [His] grace (unmerited favor), comfort and encourage your hearts and strengthen them [make them steadfast and keep them unswerving] in every good work and word. 2 Thessalonians 2: 16-17

Therefore encourage (admonish, exhort) one another and edify (strengthen and build up) one another, just as you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: Rejoice!

Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.

Don't' worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving; let your requests be made known to God.

And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 4:4-7

GOD IS our Refuge and Strength [mighty and impenetrable to temptation], a very present and well-proved help in trouble. Psalm 46: 1

Keep your love for one another at full strength, because love covers a multitude of sins. ~I Peter 4:8

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, because this is right. Honor your father and mother which is the first commandment with a promise - that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life. ~Ephesians 6:1-3

How happy is everyone who is in awe of the Lord, who walks in His ways! You will surely eat what your hands have worked for. You will be happy, and it will go well for you...May the Lord bless you from Zion, so that you will see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life, and will see your children's children. ~Psalms 128:1-2, 5-6

For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor demons, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing can separate us from the love of God that is Christ Jesus our Lord! ~Romans 8:38-39

The peace of God, that is surpassing all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. Phillipians 4:7

Do you, once again, feel the path underneath your feet? If not, maybe that's because our Lord is carrying you through whatever you might be going through. Rest in that embrace and know you are loved. You are His child. He is focused on you. Not the newspaper, the movie, the book, the computer, work...He is focused on you and He will see you through.

Now, in addition to these wonderful words that were gifted to us from on high...yes, I do believe they are inspired and for us today...these words are living and active and relevant for all today as well as yesterday...

And in today's economic times, don't you wish we could put a dollar amount to everything we do? This is one estimate of our economic worth today... wouldn't I love this check!! Oh, the possibilities! :o)

A mother's worth:  she's worth nearly $775,000 per year (up $12,050 from last year), according to Edelman Financial Services' Annual Mother's Day Index(TM). This lighthearted study includes the salaries of the many occupations that a typical mother might hold during the course of a given year.

Mother's day is coming quickly..but this is for all women.. young, old, in-between. ( You young ones, please listen to the older women...believe me they have been where you are today and will have words of wisdom to ease your mind!!)

Women, YOU are wonderful! Loved! Essential! You are laughter, tears, warmth, love. You nuture,calm and protect. You are strength beyond reason. You were designed by the greatest designer there is, God, but you are beyond a designer label. You are an individual (and yet, have the ability to bring many people together), so delicately knit in your mother's womb. God knew you before you were born. The puzzle of DNA that makes you who you are belongs to no other, so unique!  He has plans for you, yes you, even if it is just to relax today! Listen for His Voice, His gentle nudge. He singles you out daily and checks on you, yes you! That is who you are! Wow, you are amazing!!! Rest in that knowledge you beautiful, beautiful child of God. The world would be an empty place without you.

Love you all!

BLOGS n LINKS

Have you checked out the "Favorite Blog or Links" sections? If you have a Blog or a Link you love and would like to share it with all of us, please let me know!  Women helping Women!

Why We Need Girlfriends

It's official. The books have been ordered. Women's Friday morning Bible study will be covering the book mentioned below. "Why We Need Girlfriends." A Christian perspective.

If you would like a book, please let me know and I will be sure to have one for you. They are $13.00 ea. and will cover a 7 week span.

Class starts at 9:30 am in the front bldg. Suite 1001, in the counseling room.

A safe class, a safe space to come and just "be" with wonderful women.

Blessings! See you there!
Marian
949-291-2553

Why We Need Girlfriends

A decision has been made!

For our next Women's Bible Study, we will be reading "Why We Need Girlfriends" by Frankie Sherman. 

This interactive seven-week study highlights the unique relationship of Mary and Elizabeth and gives God's design for friendships between women.

If you click on the title above you will be able to read some wonderful reviews from women just like you and me. I felt this was so important, as we continue to slide into the world of technology, texts, email, we almost don't have to see each other any more. Let's not lose that. We will also delve into the relationship of Mary and Elizabeth, and I am very curious to see what Frankie Sherman has to say.  This is her website, just in case you would like to know a little more about her. http://www.frankiedsherman.com/

This coming Friday, we are celebrating that humongous accomplishment of getting through a year of a Beth Moore study "The Patriarchs" it was wonderful, in-depth and intriguing and no one does better than Beth. I am so thankful to those ladies who hung in there until the end. It was wonderful being a part of your life for so long, I can't imagine life without you now.. I hope we can continue to study together.  This coming Friday we are celebrating with a movie by comedienne Anita Renfroe.  We will start up the new study the following week. It will be a shorter study and we will have some time off during the summer to be with our family and friends!

Love and blessings to all.

Imagine

Imagine Yourself at a Women of Faith Weekend!  September 10th and 11th.

We went last year and it was wonderful.. There were about 12 of us. If anyone would like to go, plesae let me know. It would be nice to get a group of women to go.

I felt that last year I was a little too pushy with this.. I was excited..it was my first real job for Women's Ministries.  I don't want to push this year, but rather make it flow...

I am praying that if God puts this on your heart, you will want to go and you will call me. I would love to go with you.

Lord I pray deeply for each and every women that comes to our church, our meetings, our building....I pray for all women that you have your hand on for this Women's Weekend, that you would bring them to me and make us a strong group of like minded women with a heart so strong for you. Bring those who's heart's may not be strong, so they may be strenghtened.

I pray for you guidance and help with this group, their decision, and all of our planning. I know you were so with us last year, it is obvious that you had your hand on us. Please bless us again.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

BRAVO BURGER

The wonderful management at Bravo Burger has offered our church a wonderful surprise. All meals on Sunday are 15% off!!! All that you have to do is bring in your effect flyer that is handed out at church on Sundays and the meal is discounted!!! I'm in! How about you!!?




Thank you so much Bravo Burger!!!

Women's Bible Study - Friday Mornings, 9:30 am

Our last day of our current Bible study will be this coming Friday. In the meantime, we are looking forward to finding a short study that will take us to summer, and then allow us summer break.


I have come across some Bible studies that seem a good fit for us. Most of the 5 star studies listed on Christian Book.com are what we are looking for.. I also thought..if you would like...after we break for summer, if we would like to pick out another one we can do them at home and touch base by email just to share thoughts and keep our minds focused on our Father over the summer months..and with each other. (Can't imagine my summer without you guys!!)
The other study came up when I Googled Bible studies... "Why we need girlfriends." It seems like a very good study.
If you can, please try and look these over and if you are interested in joining our Friday morning study and have input, please let me know!
With love and friendship, in Christ,
Marian

5 STAR BIBLE STUDIES FOR WOMEN FROM CHRISTIAN BOOK.COM
http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/easy_find?N=1112231+5401+4294967215&kw=women's_bible_studies&event=PPCSRC&p=1018818&cm_mmc=Google-_-Bible%20Study-_-bible%20study2-_-women's%20bible%20studies&gclid=CPvel9S5y6ACFRUSswod-0Wk0A


Why We Need Girlfriends-A Great Bible Study for Women!
http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=why+we+need+girlfriends&tag=googhydr-20&index=stripbooks&hvadid=3289180217&ref=pd_sl_34epcrycr3_e

Life at theeffect!

theweek@theeffect


Monday
March 22
7PM
Sanctuary: Young Adult Worship/Message


Tuesday
March 23
7PM

Recovery Gathering



Wednesday
March 24
6:15PM

Open AA Meeting



Wednesday
March 24
7:30PM

Conversations

Open topic question and discussion.



Thursday
March 25
7:00AM and 9:30AM

Women's AA Meetings



Thursday
March 25
7:00PM

The Artists’ Way



Friday
March 26
9:30AM

Women's Bible Study



Friday
March 26
11:30AM

Women's AA Meeting



Saturday
March 27
9:00AM

How We Heal



Sunday
March 28
10AM

Sunday Gathering

Pancake Breakfast and Potluck @ 11:30AM

Storehouse216 Foodbank @ 11:30AM

Daylight Saving Time

Daylight Saving Time - 2010


In the US and Canada

Daylight Saving Time always begins on the second Sunday of March and ends on the first Sunday of November.
This means that, on March 14, 2010, at 2:00 a.m. - you set the clocks ahead one hour. (Spring forward)


And on Sunday, November 7, 2010, at 2:00 a.m. - you set the clocks back an hour. (Fall back)

Good / Bad

I have my computer back!!  After weeks of it being down...and withdrawals on my part... we're back! Ready to Blog again!

I get emails from beliefnet,com.. and they send some pretty deep and interesting things at times.  Today the email was about being grateful.  Here is a quote:

"Gratitude feels so good because it is the state of mind closest to your natural state in which you were born to live."
-Abraham-Hicks

Now, my question for everyone is.... I hear so often that we are born with sin on our souls... "Born into sin"
How can we be born with gratitude on our hearts and also be born into sin?"

I think this is a really good question for Wednesday night "Conversations" at church!

Quotes on gratitude for your day!

"Gratitude is riches. Complaint is poverty."

--Doris Day

"Wake at dawn with a winged heart and give thanks for another day of loving."

--Kahlil Gibran

"Giving thanks for abundance is sweeter than the abundance itself...
-–Rumi

"Gratitude is the memory of the heart.""

–-French proverb

"The best way to pay for a lovely moment is to enjoy it."

--Richard Bach

"I thank God for my handicaps for, through them, I have found myself, my work, and my God."

--Helen Keller

"Real life isn't always going to be perfect or go our way, but the recurring acknowledgement of what is working in our lives can help us not only to survive but surmount our difficulties."
--Sara Ban Breathnach

"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle."

--Albert Einstein

"If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, 'thank you,' that would suffice."

--Meister Eckhart

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity... It turns problems into gifts, failures into success, the unexpected into perfect timing, and mistakes into important events. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow."

-–Melody Beattie

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them."

--John F. Kennedy

"Saying thank you is more than good manners. It is good spirituality."

--Alfred Painte

"When eating bamboo sprouts, remember the man who planted them."

--Chinese Proverb

"Feeling grateful or appreciative of someone or something in your life actually attracts more of the things that you appreciate and value into your life."

--Christiane Northrup

"We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures."

--Thornton Wilder

"If you can't be thankful for what you receive, be thankful for what you escape."

--Unknown

"Here are the two best prayers I know: 'Help me, help me, help me' and 'Thank you, thank you, thank you.'"

--Anne Lamott

I am sorry I have not been blogging regularly. Computer issues. That's what happens when the computer you use comes from another decade :o) ... the bandages are falling off and the info is seeping out :o) ... I love to put pics on the blogs too, but my camera died and I can't afford a new one right now. I'm not complaining... I'm just sharing :o)

But the good news is that I am getting a hang of the Mac that the kids use here at home. I use to work on Macs all of the time and thought they were much easier than PC's, but when you've been using a PC for over 10 years and the Macs are not the little boxes you used to work on, it takes some getting used to.

Soooo, I can type you little notes.. reminders and such until my computer comes back from the doctor's office (Ehren Beckwith :o) ).

I wanted to share a website that I found through facebook months ago. Recipes! And they are really good. Some easy, some hard, but something for everyone. So here it is. I hope you enjoy it!

God Bless you!!!

Laura's Recipes

If a brother of sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them,

"Go in peace, be warmed and filled," and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that?

James 2:15-16

Bible Study -

Women's Bible study resumes this Friday... Bring your slippers and comfy clothes and be comfy while we watch Beth Moore share her message with us!

Slippers are optional :o)

Let's make time to share a little too. It's been so long since we have sat together. I hope your holidays were a wonderful blessing for you and yours!

Vision Boarding

Women,

Don't forget about Friday night, 7 pm. Vision Boarding. Bring scissors and magazines. If you can make it, please email Ingrid Paulicivich at ohmystarrs@cox.net.

What is Vision Boarding? We take pics out of magazines of things we aspire for or to be, to accomplish...in all areas of our lives... spiritual, family, personal, and we affix these to boards that we will take home. These boards are kept so that we can be reminded of how we want to see our lives progress. It helps us to not be stagnant and to not take life for granted.

Please join us. It should be a lot of fun.