Daily Encouragement: the Lord's Supper

As we draw closer to Good Friday and Easter Sunday, I think it's quite appropriate to consider the topic of the Lord's Supper or communion.

I've been in several different church congregations when they were "taking communion," and it seems it's done differently in every place. Sometimes you pass a plate of broken crackers and tiny cups of grape juice (our kids were always dying to participate because it included juice!); sometimes we are called to come up to the altar and take it up front; and sometimes it's at a table elsewhere in the room that you go to "when you are ready." The thing is, it's not really the ritual itself, it's the meaning behind it that really matters.

For those of you who are new to the body of believers, eating "Christ's body" and drinking "his blood" seems a little morbid and even cult-like, so why would we be doing something like that?

I'm going to pull my answer from Paul's letter to the Corinthians which we find in 1 Corinthians 11:

"For this is what the Lord himself said, and I pass it on to you just as I received it. On the night when he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, 'This is my body, which is given for you. do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way he took the cup of wine after supper, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant between God and you, sealed by the shedding of my blood. Do this in remembrance of me as often as you drink it.' For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are announcing the Lord's death until he comes again." (1 Corinthians 11:23-26)

It's a symbolic act that is not just a ritual, but it helps us to remember--to remember how Christ suffered and died on the cross to give us life--true, eternal life. We take the bread and the cup in gratitude for his sacrifice knowing that it was the shedding of his blood that cleansed our hearts--not the grape juice in the cup. I think Jesus knew, though, that some of us understand better when we do something "hands on," and it becomes more real to us.

So the next opportunity you have to take the Lord's Supper, remember what it was like when you first understood Christ's sacrifice for you, what it did for you, and give him your heart for that is what He truly wants from you.

Daily Encouragement: How Different Are You?

As teenagers we struggle to fit in with the "in" crowd or risk ridicule by said crowd, so we do our best to wear what they wear, talk like they talk, and go where they go. The thinking is, "If I'm not like them, I'm not as liked, wanted, or valuable as they are."

As we get older, many of us grow more comfortable in our own skin and allow our differences to shine through--understanding that just because we are not the same as everyone else, we are no less valuable as a person. At least we accept that up to a certain point.

For believers or followers of Christ, we are called to go further, to stand out even more, to be God's holy people who do not blend in with the world. That's not to say that we can't dress with the trends or use the same "lingo" or frequent the same hang-outs as those of our worldly counterparts--that is unless it causes us to lower our standards of purity and righteousness for ourselves.

So, how different are you since you gave your life to Christ? How does your life speak to the life-changing power of the Holy Spirit working in you?

"Before, you let yourselves be slaves of impurity and lawlessness. Now you must choose to be slaves of righteousness so that you will become holy. In those days, when you were slaves of sin, you weren't concerned with doing what was right. And what was the result? It was not good, since now you are ashamed of the things you used to do, things that end in eternal doom. But now you are free from the power of sin and have become slaves of God. Now you do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life." (Romans 6:19b-22)

I urge you, sister, to take a moment today to ask our Heavenly Father what He might want you to do in order to "stand out" for Him in order to draw others to Christ.

Daily Encouragement: The God Who Knows

"I called you by name when you did not know me. I am the Lord; there is no other God. I have prepared you, even though you do not know me, so all the world from east to west will know there is no other God. I am the Lord, and there is no other." (Isaiah 45:4b-6)

"Not even a sparrow, worth only half a penny, can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are more valuable to him than a whole flock of sparrows." (Matthew 10:29-31)

He knows your name---He knew you even before you knew Him.

He knows the number of hairs on your head even now, and He knows what you are going through right now.

He knows your name and He considers you highly valuable---How will you respond to Him today in the light of this truth?



****Would love for you to share your responses, comments, and/or feedback on the "Daily Encouragement."****

Daily Encouragement - The God Who Hears

On a scale of 1 to 10, how valuable to you feel today? What is it that tells you how valued you are? How do you know?

I learned some time ago that "people don't care what or how much you know until they know how much you care," and I thought, "Okay, I can deal with that." I cared a lot, so I gave a lot of advice when someone was in need of it. I was always the one talking! So there was a part of my understanding of "caring" that was missing that has only in recent years been revealed to me: if a person feels like they have been "heard," they will feel valued, and that is an amazing way to care for someone that most people do not practice in their relationships with others.

Here's what I want you to know, dear sister: even if no one else "hears" you, our Heavenly Father does because He values you--you are His dearly loved child.

"The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted, he rescues those who are crushed in spirit." (Psalm 34:17)

Dearly loved child of God, know today that you are heard by the God of the Universe and your value on a scale from 1 to 10 is 100+!! Live today in response to this truth.

Daily Encouragement: The God Who Sees

The pain of rejection runs deep, doesn't it, precious sister? Not so much in our jobs or careers but more so in relationships with people we care about. This is especially true as we age and give our heart to a man and dream for a future together, but if we give ourselves to him physically, intimately, we bind ourselves to him in a way that God intended to last for a lifetime (Matt 19:6).

So what happens when this man that we love (or loved) packs up and leaves or when we decide it's time to remove ourselves from the relationship either in divorce, broken engagements, or just a parting of ways? This union or marriage (whether legal or otherwise) is broken and a mourning period begins because the loss of this person with whom you have joined yourself is much like the death of a spouse or a dearly loved friend.

However, on top of these feelings of sorrow or loss can be the pain of rejection if the man is the one who chooses to leave or refuses to chase after us, ask for a second (or third) chance, and vow to work it out whatever the cost. A sense of inadequacy and fear of future rejection as well as desperation to be truly loved and valued overwhelm our thoughts and build walls in our hearts that are nearly impossible to break down. However, my friend, nothing is impossible for God! (Matt 19:26)

There indeed is hope for your heart, dear sister, if you are in this place, this place of grief and mourning because our God, the God of the Universe, the God Who Sees (El Roi) you and hears your cries, moves with compassion toward you and desires to comfort you if you will let Him.

Please take some time to read through the following passages from Genesis about a woman named Hagar and consider how you might respond to the God Who Sees and Hears today:

"But Sarai, Abram's wife, had no children. So Sarai took her servant, and Egyptian woman named Hagar, and gave her to Abram so she could bear his children. 'The Lord has kept me from having any children,' Sarai said to Abram. 'Go and sleep with my servant. Perhaps I can have children through her.' And Abram agreed. So Sarai, Abram's wife, took Hagar the Egyptian servant and gave her to Abram as a wife. (This happened ten years after Abram first arrived in the land of Canaan.)

So Abram slept with Hagar, and she became pregnant. When Hagar knew she was pregnant, she began to treat her mistress Sarai with contempt. Then Sarai said to Abram, 'It's all your fault! Now this servant of mine is pregnant, and she despises me, though I myself gave her the privilege of sleeping with you. The Lord will make you pay for doing this to me!'

Abram replied, 'Since she is your servant, you may deal with her as you see fit.' So Sarai treated her harshly, and Hagar ran away.

The angel of the Lord found Hagar beside a desert spring along the road to Shur. The angel said to her, 'Hagar, Sarai's servant, where have you come from, and where are you going?'

'I am running away from my mistress,' she replied.

Then the angel of the Lord said, 'Return to your mistress and submit to her authority.' The angel added, 'I will give you more descendants than you can count.' And the angel also said, 'You are now pregnant and will give birth to a son. You are to name him Ishmael (meaning God hears), for the Lord has heard about your misery. This son of yours will be a wild one--free and untamed as a wild donkey! He will be against everyone, and everyone will be against him. Yes, he will live at odds with the rest of his brothers.'

Thereafter, Hagar referred to the Lord, who had spoken to her, as 'the God who sees me,' for she said, 'I have seen the One who sees me!" (Genesis 16:1-13)

Later, in Genesis 21, after the birth of Isaac (the firstborn of Abram and Sarai or Abraham and Sarah now), we read of what happens to Hagar and her son and how God, again, speaks to her. Keep reading, girl, it's surely worth another minute or two!:

"As time went by and Isaac grew and was weaned, Abraham gave a big party to celebrate the happy occasion. But Sarah saw Ishmael--the son of Abraham and her Egyptian servant Hagar--making fun of Isaac. So she turned to Abraham and demanded, 'Get rid of that servant and her son. He is not going to share the family inheritance with my son, Isaac. I won't have it!'

This upset Abraham very much because Ishmael was his son. But God told Abraham, 'Do not be upset over the boy and your servant wife. Do just as Sarah says, for Isaac is the son through whom your descendants will be counted. But I will make a nation of the descendants of Hagar's son because he also is your son.'

So Abraham got up early the next morning, prepared food for the journey, and strapped a container of water to Hagar's shoulders. He sent her away with their son, and she walked out into the wilderness of Beersheba, wandering aimlessly. When the water was gone, she left the boy in the shade of a bush. Then she went and sat down by herself about a hundred yards away. 'I don't want to watch the boy die,' she said, as she burst into tears.

Then God heard the boy's cries, and the angel of God called to Hagar from the sky, 'Hagar, what's wrong? Do not be afraid! God had heard the boy's cries from the place where you laid him. Go to him and comfort him, for I will make a great nation from his descendants.

Then God opened Hagar's eyes, and she saw a well. She immediately filled her water container and gave the boy a drink. And God was with the boy as he grew up in the wilderness of Paran." (Genesis 21:8-20a)

You are heard, dear one, when you cry out. You are seen when your are all alone, but you are not alone at all because this God who sees and hears, our God, will never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). Be comforted in His presence today.

Daily Encouragement: Joy in the End

I have to say that in my set of daily responsibilities I have started to feel a little overwhelmed by the weight of what is still left to be done over the next couple of weeks, and I was able to take some time this morning with a couple of very precious sisters, who are faithful in prayer, and lay all that weight at the foot of the cross. Jesus said in Matthew 11:28-30 "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light."

Now when He's talking about being weary and carrying heavy burdens, he's not just talking about work and school but also hurts and baggage from our past. It doesn't matter how big or how messy it is, our Almighty God does not want you to be carrying those around with you and He offers a trade--your overloaded suitcases full of rejection, abandonment, neglect, and abuse for His light and easy bag of acceptance, love, joy, gentleness, mercy, and grace that comes from faithful obedience. Hmmm... which would you choose? It seems like it would be a simple choice, right? But many times we don't know or forget that we even have the choice to make! And it is also a big step of faith to put the familiar suitcases down for the unknown grab-bag we are being offered.

With that in mind, here's your note of encouragement today--it comes from Hebrews 12:

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish. He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterward. Now he is seated in the place of highest honor beside God's throne in heaven. Think about all he endured when sinful people did such terrible things to him, so that you don't become weary and give up. After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin." (Hebrews 12:1-4)

Unload your weights--whatever is pulling you down--and take up His burden of love and grace and forgiveness and run the race he has marked out for you today. God is FOR YOU! And so am I!

Daily Encouragement

As a little girl playing with friends on the playground, I always wanted to pretend to be the "damsel in distress" that would be rescued by the brave hero or knight or Zorro or whomever--I just wanted to be the one to be swept off my feet and delivered from the clutches of the evil villain. Then, when I had my own little girl, I'd watch her play with the other girls and someone just had to be the boy to be the hero, the rescuer, and since my daughter was more of a tom-boy, she always got chosen for that role. It was tough watching her be relegated to that role because of how her hair was cut or the stature of her body because deep down she was still a girl, a damsel, and not the brave knight. She didn't mind so much but since then she's grown her hair out and, well, this teenage girl just doesn't resemble much of a boy anymore.

Here and now, we have an honest-to-goodness hero who has rescued us from a fate worse than anything that evil villain could think up. Jesus Christ came to earth as a man, lived a sinless life (our white knight), and rescued us from our own sin and the consequences of that sin which is death (Romans 6:23) by sacrificing his own life for ours on the cross. You and I were/are indeed that damsel in distress, but we don't have to wait for that white knight--he's waiting for you!

"For he has rescued us from the one who rules in the kingdom of darkness, and he has brought us into the Kingdom of his dear Son. God has purchased our freedom with his blood and has forgiven all our sins." Colossians 1:13-14

Daily Encouragement

Are you feeling a little weak, discouraged, or used up today? Take heart! If you are in Christ, you have access to some awesome strength, power and sustainability, and all you need to do is to admit you need it and ask for it.

When I was walking through my trial of cancer and chemotherapy, there was not a day that went by that I was not physically weak, but I was also going through a struggle with depression though I did not recognize it. God spoke volumes to me about what weakness truly is and that is the best place to be in order to exemplify God's miraculous power and strength. Read through the following verses and insert yourself in the "tired" and "weak" and draw on the power of the Holy Spirit for your strength.

"He gives power to those who are tired and worn out; he offers strength to the weak." (Isaiah 40:29)

"But this precious treasure—this light and power that now shine within us—is held in perishable containers, that is, in our weak bodies. So everyone can see that our glorious power is from God and is not our own." (2 Corinthians 4:7)

"If I must boast, I would rather boast about the things that show how weak I am." (2 Corinthians 11:30)

"Since I know it is all for Christ's good, I am quite content with my weaknesses and with insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong." (2 Corinthians 12:10)

Now we come to the portion of Paul's prayer for the believers in Colosse, and I am making it my prayer for you today:

"We also pray that you will be strengthened with his glorious power so that you will have all the patience and endurance you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father, who has enabled you to share the inheritance that belongs to God's holy people, who live in the light." (Colossians 1:11-12)


**There's still a little time left to register for the Princess and the P's Spring Retreat and scholarships available. Get away, get refilled and get refreshed!

Daily Encouragement

On our second day of looking at Paul's prayer for the believers in Colosse, we see Paul going from encouraging them in where they are in their relationship with Christ and their love for God's people to encouraging them by speaking to their growth--"spiritual wisdom."

"So we have continued praying for you ever since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you a complete understanding of what he wants to do in your lives, and we ask him to make you wise with spiritual wisdom. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and you will continually do good, kind things for others. All the while, you will learn to know God better and better." (Colossians 1:9-10)

He's not at all saying that we should put a hold on loving others while we gain understanding and wisdom, but we add to it. The more we know and understand God, the more we will know and desire His will in our lives, and the more we will desire to do His will, and the more we do His will the more we will get to know God better. It's an amazing cycle that draws us closer and closer, but it is up to us to engage it even when the circumstances are, shall we say, less than comfortable.

This is my prayer for you and for myself today. I would encourage you to take a moment to say these verses out loud but turn them around in a prayer for yourself and as a prayer for your friend, your husband, your children, or anyone that God lays on your heart.

There is more to this encouraging prayer that we'll look at tomorrow--in the meantime, may your Monday be filled with hope and joy that comes from a heart that is completely surrendered to Christ.

Daily Encouragement

The opening of the book of Colossians is an especially encouraging prayer from Paul to the believers at Colosse (a city in the Roman province of Asia), so for your encouragement today, I thought I'd share the first part of it today and more later this week:

"We always pray for you, and we give thanks to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for we have heard that you trust in Christ Jesus and that you love all of God's people. You do this because you are looking forward to the joys of heaven--as you have been ever since you first heard the truth of the Good News. This same Good News that came to you is going out all over the world. It is changing lives everywhere, just as it changed yours that very first day you heard and understood the truth about God's great kindness to sinners." (Colossians 1:3-6)

Yes, the truth of the Good News that has changed your life is going out even still and it changes the lives of the people around you. Do you know of anyone who has not heard and has not understood the truth "about God's great kindness to sinners"? Besides your Facebook status or information page, how have you been sharing this Good News that changes lives? Be bold and courageous, for this news is LIFE CHANGING!

Daily Encouragement

How carefully do you choose your outfits everyday?

Sometimes I stand in my closet just staring at what's on the hangers wondering how I might coordinate them and come out looking somewhat "put together." Then, I would proceed to put them on, decide, "no, that just won't do," and commence with trying a different combination until I'm at least somewhat satisfied, but then again, sometimes I go back after a while and start all over again!

Here's a tip on the best things you can put on everyday and never think twice about it:

"Since God chose you to be the holy people whom he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. You must make allowance for each other's faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. And the most important piece of clothing you must wear is love. Love is what binds us all together in perfect harmony. and let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are all called to live in peace. And always be thankful." (Colossians 3:12-15)

Daily Encouragement

More words on work...

I'm on this kick with the subject of work recently because of the study on Ruth I'm leading with some awesome chicks and also with the Joseph study with some other awesome women--God's just drawing all this out, and it's amazing to me how He weaves lessons together to make sure we "get it."

Today's tidbit is generated from our study on Ruth. You know, I used to think this woman Ruth was just a righteous (but plain) woman I wasn't all that interested in--the book was short and didn't seem to really catch my attention. Over the last year, though, God has been revealing more of Himself through this tiny little set of chapters, and I'm so excited to share it with you.

Here's the breakdown: she's this destitute, recently widowed foreigner coming to Bethlehem with her newly widowed mother-in-law, Naomi--having nothing to show for their time in Moab. Ruth asks Naomi to allow her to go out and glean (pick up the left-overs) in the fields wherever she could. Ruth doesn't sit around and wait for God to drop in a care-package from the local food bank or go begging in the streets. No, Ruth says to her mother-in-law, "Let me go out into the fields to gather leftover grain behind anyone who will let me do it." (Ruth 2:2) And she goes out and humbly works her tail off! But she "just so happens" to find herself in the fields belonging to a man named Boaz, and God met her there and provided for her needs and the needs of her mother-in-law. You'll have to go to this short little book in the Bible to find out what happens next!

You will see how Ruth is noticed for her character and her work ethic. God met Ruth in the fields and poured out His blessings and favor on her, but the question is, would God have done the same thing for her if she had stayed home waiting for a hand-out, worrying about where they would find their next meal, or feeling sorry for herself?

Consider your own circumstances. Don't give up looking for work if you're currently unemployed or underemployed; don't give up hope. If God's calling you to a change in careers or is urging you to be content and do your best where you are--listen, talk with your family and step out in faith, and He will meet you--He will never leave you nor forsake you--even when the numbers just don't add up. What's the God of the universe speaking to you today?

Here is my prayer for you, dear sister:
"May the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully" (Ruth 2:12) as you reflect the character of Christ in your day-to-day responsibilities and encounters with others.

Daily Encouragement

Happy Saint Patrick's Day, y'all!

Just recently, I started writing a daily tidbit on Christian discipleship for some sweet friends of mine, and I was thinking maybe there was someone out there who would be interested in getting some daily encouragement through our blog. So, I'm going to try it out here and you ladies send me your feedback!

Today's encouragement:

What's your job situation like right now? Do you have a boss that seems to be keeping you down or has someone been promoted over you? Are you unemployed and desperately looking for work, and no one seems to be hiring?

Take courage and don't lose heart because the truth is that these companies are not the ones in charge of your employment -- God is sovereign (He's in control) over everything, even your promotion or demotion, hiring and firing!

Psalm 75:6-7 says, "For no one on earth--from east or west, or even from the wilderness--can raise another person up. It is God alone who judges; he decides who will rise and who will fall."

On Thursday mornings, we've been studying the life of Joseph as laid out in the final chapters of Genesis, and we see how God was with Joseph from the time he is sold as a slave into the house of Potiphar in Egypt, to when he is promoted to 2nd in command of Potiphar's house, to his false imprisonment and then his command over his fellow inmates, to his promotion to ruler over all of Egypt-- 2nd only to Pharaoh (Genesis 37-45). Joseph was faithful to the Lord and to his employers, and God took care of Joseph through all of his affliction and his success, and God had a purpose for it all.

God is the one who provides us with everything we need, and it is our job as servants of Christ, to be good stewards of what we've been given (with material possessions, with our time, with our giftings and our physical capabilities).

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths." (Proverbs 3:5)

This is where we can not only encourage our husbands who may be struggling in their jobs but also know for ourselves that Christ is really our employer (even if you're self-employed or a stay-at-home mom): "Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and the Master you are serving is Christ." (Colossians 3:23-24)

Please make sure to leave me your questions or comments. I'd love to hear from you!

Blessings,

Wendie

Image: Michal Marcol / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

....to be treated as royalty.

If you are a follower of Christ, you are a daughter of the King, therefore, a princess.

Because of your standing as a princess, at the Princess and the P's spring retreat April 8-10, you will be treated like royalty.

(For the following, keep in mind, some of this is more figurative than literal.)

First, you will be given time to let your hair down, relax and have fun.

We will all come, all the royal princesses, will come before our King to purify our hearts and minds.

You will be able to unload your burden on Him and will be given rest.

You will then be bathed with pure water (which is the Holy Spirit) and feast on the bread of life (the Word of God).

You will be clothed in royal robes, adorned with jewels and anointed with oil.

We will spend time listening, valuing the words you speak and sharing our hearts with you. We will give you time alone to spend with our King so that He can make your face shine with the reflection of His glory.

You are beautiful daughters, cherished by the King, and it is our goal, as Women of Hope, to treat you as He sees you, and for us to see ourselves in that light.

I hope you will join us! There is still time to register, contact Stephanie Bush at beansmommy30@gmail.com to save your place!

Gathering

Due to the ice and not much hope for a thaw, we have decided to postpone the Women of Hope Gathering that was scheduled for Friday night. We are so disappointed as we were really looking forward to meeting with all you girls, but we want you to stay safe!

We will update with the new date as soon as we have it!

Blessings,

Wendie

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

The leadership team of the Women of Hope has been planning some fun and exciting as well as growth-oriented activities and events for 2011! We hope you will take a look at everything that is offered and come as often as you can. Ours is a large community group within New Hope that seeks to offer gender-specific opportunities--feminine to be even more specific--that will enable women from all kinds of backgrounds to grow in relationship to one another as we grow in Christ.

You girls are super!

While I'm waiting for the delivery of yummy Mr. Jim's pizza (my husband's favorite), I wanted to send a "shout out" to all our wonderful women at New Hope who stepped in to help usher this morning for both services. You gals rock!

The one morning of the year the Women of Hope steps in to relieve our men of their regular responsibility of ushering, we had 19-20 different women step in to hand out bulletins (which were advertising, by the way, our quarterly luncheon next Sunday after 2nd service), help seat our guests and take up the offering after listening to a great sermon by Doug Fike. If you weren't there, you will want to check out the podcast on http://newhopechristian.org.

Thanks to each of you who stepped in especially when we had 3 women of our leadership team out of commission today! I love how you are willing to be stretched into whatever is needed, whenever--love it!!!

As we remember and/or spend time with our fathers, husbands, friends, let us remember how God is also our heavenly Father who is the best Daddy, ever!

See you next Sunday at 12:30pm! (Childcare is available--if you need it, please let us know!--leave a comment or e-mail me at wendie@teuton.org)

Blessings,

Wendie

Women of Hope News

Hello my sweet friends!

I hope you all had a great Memorial Day remembering those that risked or lost their lives for our country, for our freedoms. School's out for the summer and Wednesday night KIDS ministry is off for a while and for many, vacation away from home is on the horizon!

For the Women of Hope team, we're still working to bring you some awesome opportunities to invite your lady-friends and neighbors to experience New Hope and hear the gospel as well as Bible studies to grow in your knowledge and stretch your faith. Want to get "plugged-in"? Just let us know what you like to do or that you're willing to try anything. ;)

The Tuesday Bible studies are underway! Return to the Garden met Tuesday night at 7pm at New Hope and The Virtuous Woman will start this Tuesday at 10am because of unforeseen circumstances. If you were thinking about getting in on the morning study, there's still time! Contact Shannon Quick at shannonquick@gmail.com or call 972-762-6696.

One home team that is for women only, led by Cristol Morgan, is going to continue to meet through the summer, if you'd like to meet up on Wednesday nights through the summer with an awesome group of women, call Cristol at 214-766-8587 to find out what's going on!

Revealing Beauty tickets are still on sale. You can see any one of the Women of Hope team (Marge King, Stephanie Bush, Deborah Yates, Shannon Quick, or Wendie Beddingfield) to purchase them or go online to http://revealing-beauty.com and order them online. We are really excited about this event coming up on Saturday, August 28th. It is going to be a fabulous extravaganza just for you and your friends--it's designed to be an outreach event for you to invite friends and neighbors, especially those that are unchurched or aren't walking with the Lord, focused on discovering the beauty that is within because of Christ and dressing our bodies to reveal that beauty on the outside. Not only will each person in attendance receive an individual color and body-type analysis from our guest speaker and her assistant, but we will have high-energy music, dancers from Epiphany Dance Theatre, drama, and guest speaker Shari Braendel, nationally known Christian speaker and author of Good Girls Don't Have to Dress Bad. Shari will not only give us lots of tips and tricks to reveal our beauty in contrast to what the fashion magazines, tv and other media tell us beauty is, but she will be sharing her powerful testimony in discovering a true relationship with Christ and how that's changed her life and the lives of many because what He's done in her. You do not want to miss it! If you'd like to be involved in helping this outreach be the most effective it can be, please contact Wendie Beddingfield at wendie@teuton.org or 469-751-3539.

Sunday, June 13th, is the big summer bash at Avalon Park, and the Women of Hope team is planning to have desserts out for donations to go to help fund Revealing Beauty and future Women of Hope events so that we can continue to offer free admission to the majority of women's events requesting only donations for ministries like the Bridge Community Outreach. If you'd like to donate any baked goods like cookies, brownies, bars, cupcakes, etc, we'd be more than grateful, but if you're not into cooking and would rather support Women of Hope with a donation of cash or a check, that would be equally welcomed. We are continually overwhelmed by the generosity of the women of our body--thank you for your selfless giving!

Sunday, June 20th, the Women of Hope ministry team is volunteering to usher during first and second services to give our men a welcome rest in honor of Father's Day. Won't you join us in ushering one of the services that day?

Sunday, June 27th, we will be gathering in the Zone after 2nd service for a light lunch and a chance to communicate with one another face-to-face. If you'd like to attend but need childcare after we eat, please e-mail Wendie at wendie@teuton.org or call 469-751-3539. If you have questions or concerns or want to get involved in what's coming up or want to purchase tickets for Revealing Beauty--please make plans to stay after 2nd service on the 27th.

For the month of July, our team will be taking a break from working and planning to get rest and replenishing, but as soon as August 1 rolls around, we're jumping right back in where we left off. New Bible study registration is just around the corner in mid-August!

We hope your summer is full of great family and friend time, sharing the love of Christ with all you are around!

Your humble servant,

Wendie

Ushers for Fathers' Day

The Women of Hope are volunteering to usher at New Hope on Fathers' Day (June 20th)--would you like to join us to show our New Hope men and fathers our appreciation and give them the day off? If we get plenty of volunteers then everyone will only need to work one of the services.

If you would like to help out on Fathers' Day, please contact Wendie Beddingfield at wendie@teuton.org or 469-751-3539.

Bible Study

Hey ladies! We have a sweet dilemma....
the Bible study for Tuesday nights starting June 1 (Return to the Garden) has more people registered than we currently have room for. Is there anyone out there who has a place to hold 15-20 ladies on Tuesday nights (near Wylie) from 7pm to 9pm for six weeks who would be willing to host this Bible study?
Please contact Mendy Payne at mendy.payne@verizon.net

Question for YOU!

We are consistently finding that we still need improvement on communication especially as the Women of Hope begins offering multiple opportunities for fellowship, life skills development and study of God's word.

My question to you, for which I do hope you will comment at the bottom of this post, is what do you find the most effective way you hear/see and remember events or activities that interest you? Or.... what's been the most effective way YOU communicate with others?

Thank you for taking time to read and respond. You ladies are the best!

In Christ,
Wendie

Revealing Beauty Tickets Go On Sale Tomorrow!

To all you special moms out there, I want to wish you an early
Mother's Day! What a B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L day it is today!

I also wanted to send you a quick notice that tickets for the
Revealing Beauty Women's Conference & Fashion Show
go on sale tomorrow between first and second service and
after second in the lobby as well as the registration for two
Bible studies that will be held in June.

For those of you who wondering what Revealing Beauty is,
read below:

Revealing Beauty is a one-day women's conference featuring
nationally known author & speaker Shari Braendel from
Proverbs 31 Ministries who will share her expertise as an image
consultant on how to dress in order to reveal our true beauty.
This is a high-energy, fun outreach event for the women of New
Hope and the women in our community.  (Teens are more than
welcome to attend as well.)

There will also be a fashion show after lunch with women of all ages,
shapes and sizes that provides examples of the practical application
as well as lots of fun and excitement and the draw for many women
who would not normally step foot in a church.

Shari speaks to teens and adult women, encouraging them to let
go of secrets that are bound up inside in order for us to be able
to truly shine the light of Christ--sharing that we can look so good
on the outside, but be a complete mess on the inside.  So it's not
all about dressing to look good or feeling all good about ourselves
by covering ourselves well--she weaves the gospel in her
presentation with complete truth in an outreach of compassion.

You do not want to miss out on this fabulous event, and you don't
want to leave your friends out--this is truly the event to invite your
friends to and we promise you won't regret it.  The only thing you
will regret is not inviting your other friends, too!

Check out the Revealing Beauty website
http://revealing-beauty.com  here or paste
http://revealing-beauty.com to your browser for more
information on Shari Braendel or purchase tickets online.

Many sweet blessings,

Wendie Beddingfield

Reflection on Movie Night

Last night, the Women of Hope gathered for Movie Night at New Hope in the auditorium to watch "The Blind Side." Many of us came in our pajamas and slippers with our blankies and pillows, turned some chairs around to stretch out and enjoyed a free movie--the only catch was to bring in any amount of non-perishable food for the Bridge food pantry.

The fellowship before and after was great, the generous giving of the ladies was incredible, and the snacks we smuggled in were delicious! If you didn't make it this time, you missed out! I believe this is something we're going to do more often, so keep an eye out for future announcements. Sometimes you just have to get together to have some fun--thanks to all the ladies who came out--it's no fun without you!

Registration for Summer Bible studies begins this Sunday! Stop by the tables in the lobby to pick up information, register, and purchase your study guide.

Women's Conference

The Women of Hope leadership team is attending the True Woman Leadership Pre-Session and some will attend the rest of the conference October 14-16. We wanted to share this information in case any of you would like to join us for any part of the conference.



For more details, click here for speaker info: Speakers or for event details and registration: True Woman

New to WoH

Women of Hope
introduces
Life Skills Groups!

2nd Group is Saving Money Through Coupons
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Friday, May 7, 2010 from 10:00-11:30am

If you've never tried couponing, not had much success, need a little motivation or want to help encourage women to make God's dollars go farther, you're invited to join this new group led by Stephanie Bush.

 
Location:  New Hope 
Please register via e-mail to Stephanie at
beansmommy30@gmail.com or call 214-629-3254.


3rd Group is Basic Sewing
Saturday, June 12, 2010 at 10am

If you already know how to sew and would like to help teach some very basic techniques, encourage others to learn your craft or if you've never picked up a needle and thread, you are welcome to come try your hand at this timeless skill/craft.

Location:  TBD 
Please register via e-mail to Marge King at
dandmking@verizon.net or call 972-475-8093.

More to come!
If you have a skill or hobby you'd like to share/teach or one you'd really like to learn, please leave your comments after this post.

Meals for families

Hey ladies! Sue Spears is heading up the coordination of meals for families especially those who have recently had a loss in the family, and the Women of Hope would like to help by getting the word out to women who would like to bless others by preparing all or part of a meal on a rotating basis.

If this is something you would like to volunteer for or would like more information, please e-mail Sue Spears at bl.suespears@sbcglobal.net or call her directly at 972-978-5963.

New Bible Studies Coming in January!

Return to the Garden:
Embracing God's Design for Sexuality

by Kay Arthur




Daily we're confronted with messages that say,
subtly and not so subtly,
"Sex sizzles."
"Sex outside of marriage is OK."
"Everybody's doing it."
"No one will ever know."
"Your body is more important than your character."
How's a woman to live?

From the beginning of time, our sexuality and distinctiveness
as women has been front and center with God. We are designer goods, designed by God, no less! And when it comes to our sexuality, He has much to say to us. Kay writes from the perspective of one who has experienced God's grace and
voices heartfelt concern for a sex-saturated society that has
forgotten how to blush.
This interactive Bible study is an honest, redemptive call to
recognize and return to God's standards for purity. Her
straightforward lessons from Scripture focus on love, sex
in marriage, purity, modesty, and examples of how men and
women should relate to each other. These timely messages
are for women, whether married or single, mother or daughter.

Led by: Wendie Beddingfield
Wednesdays at 7:15PM every-other Wednesday beginning January 27, 2010 (looking for host home)
Fridays at 9:30AM every-other Friday beginning January 22, 2010
Length:  6 weeks (spread over 12 weeks) DVD & workbook
Cost:  $15.00

The Virtuous Woman:
Shattering the Superwoman Myth
by Vicki Courtney
Explores Proverbs 31, revealing the heart and character of a godly woman and showing how to become a woman o f worth, wisdom, and purpose. This Everyday Discipleship resource provides six weeks of personal study with guidance for weekly small-group sessions.

Caution:

Reading this passage can induce more guilt than eating a one Pound bag of M&Ms. Common side effects include uncontrollable laughter, fatigue, shortness of breath, feelings of inadequacy, depression, and an irrepressible desire to pop this lady upside the head should
you ever meet her. Read at your own risk!

If that’s how you view Proverbs 31, you are probably not alone. Vicki Courtney, founder of Virtuous Reality Ministries, would have taken the same stand until her studies lead her to the realization that the Bible passage refers not to one actual woman, but is rather a compilation of qualities that make up a virtuous woman.

"Whew, what a relief!"

Led by: Shannon Quick
Wednesdays at 7:15PM beginning January 20, 2010 (at the home of Kim Lewis)
Length: 6 weeks
Cost: $12.00

A Woman After God's
Own Heart

by Elizabeth George

Adapted from the bestselling book by the same title, A Woman After God's Own Heart Bible study workbook teaches you how to develop a heart for God and His Word, for prayer and personal discipline...PLUS how to develop a heart of love for your husband, your children, your friends and others! You'll discover a new passion for living through the power of prayer and God's Word! Five lessons per week for 10 weeks are to be done individually and then shared with your group.

Excerpt from study:
"God wants my heart - all of it - and my devotion.  When I choose to give it
to Him, when I choose to live totally for Him, He makes it count.  He wants
to be Number One in my life, the priority above all priorities."

Led by: Michelle Cox Tuesdays at 10AM beginning January 19, 2010 (location tbd)
Length: 10 weeks (DVD & workbook)
Cost: $14.00

For registration and more information, please contact Deborah Yates, Women of Hope Bible study coordinator, at dky5784@hughes.net or 903-776-2530.

4P

We're so excited about the various plans and ideas that are coming about and some special ladies who have joined the Women of Hope leadership team for the year 2010! One of the aspects of our excitement is our theme for the year: the 4~Ps

Focusing on Prayer to our Father, we can maintain our Purity (mind, body, and heart), obtain the Holy Spirit's Power to do all He has called us to do, and know His good Purpose for us.

Upcoming dates to remember:

• Friday, November 20 Craft Night

making encouragement cards for New Hope
bring socks, underwear or diapers for Christmas Outreach

• Friday, December 11 Christmas Cookie Exchange

bring 4 dozens cookies for exchange
admission is a package of socks, underwear or diapers
for the Christmas Outreach which is December 18

• mid-January Spring Bible Studies Begin
  

Letter to all ladies at New Hope

To all my beloved sisters at New Hope:

I am writing you today about some recent events in the Women of Hope ministry and of some things still to come--I'm so excited I don't know why I waited 'til now to write this!

We had a truly spirit-filled time of worship, sharing and encouragement at the Cowgirl Up retreat in October at the Rockin' C Ranch. Everything came together in a way that led us to focus on finding and extending forgiveness, recognizing more truth about our heavenly Father in our lives and those around us and really showing each other God's love and compassion. You girls are the bomb! I'm just overwhelmed at how God used each one of us that weekend to put a huge puzzle together to reveal a beautiful picture of God's redemption and grace. Linda Brown...you ladies give her a big hug when you see her next--she did a super job organizing this event.

I also want to take a moment to formally introduce myself as the new leader of the Women of Hope ministry. My name is Wendie Beddingfield, and I have been at New Hope for almost five years now and directly involved in Women of Hope for about one year. I've led a home team and several Bible studies, and I have been blessed during this time to get to know many of you, and I am looking forward to growing alongside each and every one of you as we worship together in spirit and in truth in a way that is unique to us women. I also pray that many would be drawn into a close relationship with Christ through this ministry as we move forward.

We are making some plans, girls! We are going to shake it up a bit, and we are anxious to see you ladies in action: doing what makes you energized and pumped up, utilizing your gifts and talents in a way that we can give to others and thereby God at the same time.

One of the first things on the schedule is a Craft Night at New Hope in which we will be making Hand-made cards to be used to encourage New Hope worshipers throughout the coming year. It's set for Friday, November 20, from 7PM to 9PM. We request a donation of socks, underwear or diapers as your admission (to be gifted to families during the Christmas Outreach next month)--we will cover the rest! If you have questions or already know you're going to be there, please e-mail me at wendie@teuton.org. You don't have to be crafty--come if you want to learn a new skill/craft or to enjoy a much loved hobby with the girls.

The second even is a Christmas Cookie Exchange set for Friday, December 11 from 7PM to 9PM. We'll be sampling lots of different cookies, enjoying them with a glass of ice-cold milk, hot cocoa or your preferred hot beverage. We'll also relish in some excellent Christmas worship music led by Rita Armenta and reading the Christmas story by candlelight. This would be an excellent opportunity to invite a neighbor or unchurched friend to share the joy of the Christmas season and hear the good news of Christ. If you would like to help--please contact Shannon Quick at 972-762-6696 or shannontait@wmconnect.com. We value each and every one of you sweethearts, and we recognize that we are not the Women of Hope--you are, and you are priceless and precious to us!

Our theme for 2009/2010 is the 4Ps:

Prayer ~ Purity ~ Power ~ Purpose
Focusing on prayer to our Father, we can maintain our Purity (mind, body, and heart), obtain the Holy Spirit's Power to do all He has called us to do, and know His good Purpose for us.

We hope you will dive in with us as we aim for the 4Ps. The journey is so much better when you have friends to share it!

Many blessings,

Wendie Beddingfield

469-751-3539 (home)
469-288-6030 (cell)
wendie@teuton.org