Plane Crash Victims and Families

Please pray for a young girl, Alexis, in our church who lost her parents in a plane crash Saturday afternoon. Her parents were travelling with their neighbors home from Las Vegas (it was on the news, the neighbor, Eric Nunn, was running for Contra Costa Supervisor) in a 4 person plane that crashed just north of Las Vegas. There are 7 children involved. The couples that died were in their mid 30's and all had children as young as 3 yrs old. Thanks!

Melissa Cliatt (friend of Jamie's)
The Orchard Church, Oakley, CA

Dixon's Back-to-School Big Give!

Summer has just begun, but Living Hope is in the process of planning an incredible back-to-school event for the community of Dixon. We're so excited for the opportunity to GIVE BIG to families and children in our town.

On Sunday, August 3rd, we will host this completely free event for families in need. All children will receive a free backpack filled with free school supplies, a free hair cut, free food, and more! They'll have the opportunity to enjoy an inflatable bounce, watch cartoons, enjoy entertainment, and win big prizes. Our hope is to create a day of enjoyment that sends a message to our community that Living Hope CARES!

HOW CAN YOU HELP? There will be many opportunities to help the day of the event. However, we need help NOW in the preparation stages. We need funding, donations of supplies, and people to volunteer time to do some of the leg work preparing bags and paperwork well in advance. In addition, EVERYONE can pick up an item or two each time you run to Wal-Mart, Longs, or Safeway. Here's the list of supplies we're collecting:

24 Pack Crayons
3 Pack Glue Sticks
8 Pack Washable Markers
#2 Pencils
Wooden Rulers
Scissors
Notebook Paper
Pocket Folders with Brads
Small School Supply Boxes

EVERY LITTLE BIT HELPS! Bring these items to church and drop them in the designated box or barrel near the entry way. Please email Jamie at ragamuffin_kids@yahoo.com if you want to help in any way before the event is here. Thanks for sharing Jesus with the community of Dixon!

Reaching

It's only been a couple of weeks now that Isla has started reaching her arms out for us to hold her. She used to just sit and cry and look at us like, "come on, take me!". I will never forget the first time she reached for me. She was sitting in the living room floor and wanted me to take her. She reached up with a HUGE smile on her face (definitely Isla style) and kind of bopped up and down with excitement. I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that Isla WANTED me, and it was such a great feeling!

This morning, I was thinking of that comparison with our relationship with Jesus. Have you come to a place in your walk where you REACH for Him and let him know how much you want Him to take you? Or do you just sit and whine or cry and hope He gets the signal to come and do something about it? I can only imagine that it must bring Him great joy when we come to Him with such purpose and express our deepest love for him. There's safety in His arms and I believe He wants to hold us.

New Summer Study Starts TONIGHT!!

Alright, ladies! It's time once again to meet and chat about God's word and how we should respond to His teachings. Our new study on Conversation Peace begins tonight at the Firehouse Cafe in Dixon at 6:30 p.m. For $6.50, you'll enjoy a sandwich, salad, and beverage of your choice. Then, we'll have an introductory session on our new book and find out just a little of what God has in store for us.

If you struggle at all with negative talk, snapping remarks, nagging, losing your temper, or other frustrating issues of the mouth, this study is for you!! If you can't make it every week - no problem! You'll still get an awful lot from the weeks you are able to attend, and also by going through this simple work book on your own time.

It's a great way to spend the summer and get a step closer to Jesus. Can't wait to see you all there!

My Body Image and Jesus

Most of us have done it. We obsess over a body part in the mirror. Maybe you've tried to squeeze yourself into your skinny jeans. Have you ever compared yourself with another woman or ate like a "bird" in public so other people won't judge you?

Our culture seems obsessed with body image and we've grown up with media signals taunting us from every direction. In fact, we may have passed some of these obsessions or unhealthy habits on to our daughters or other young girls who look up to us.

What do you think God has to say about this issue? How do you think Jesus would counsel one of us on this topic today? We would LOVE to hear what you think. Just click on the comment link below and give us your opinion. You can leave your name, or keep your comment anonymous. Is this something you struggle with? Have you seen someone else struggle? How does this whole "epidemic" make you feel? We want to know what you think!

Girlfriend Spotlight on Cathy Andrew

We all know Cathy as an adorably sweet personality with an amazing voice and fantastic talent on the keyboard. So what do you NOT know about her yet? Read ahead to find out and let her know what you think!

What is your full name? Cathy Corrigeux Andrew
Do you have any brothers or sisters? No...just me =)
Where did you grow up? Lol... all over, Washington, Oklahoma, England, and finally in Vacaville (my Dad was in the Air Force)
Are you married? Not yet...
Name a favorite thing about someone in your family. My Mom - her example to me as a woman of God!!
What is your current job? Currently I'm working as a medical assistant at a pain management clinic in Vacaville.
What profession would you like to attempt? I'm getting ready to go into grad school to get my masters, from there we'll see where God takes me...
If you could have an endless supply of any food, what would you get? Brownies
What is one goal you’d like to accomplish during your lifetime? More traveling
Who is your hero? My parents, they both exude many characteristics I hope people see in me...hard working, caring and God fearing to name a few.
What’s your favorite thing to do in the summer? Going to our cabin in Montana, all of our family is there, its on a beautiful lake! Very relaxing!
Are you a morning or night person? Night!!
What are your favorite hobbies? Playing sports, hanging out with friends
What are your pet peeves? Grrr...I hate walking in a crowded area when people just stop right in front of you like there is no one else around.
What turns you on? The small things....I love little surprises like a note on my car, or a surprise coffee at work!! LOL
What turns you off? Negativity..life's too short to be pessimistic.
Tell us about a unique or quirky habit of yours. I laugh/or smile when I'm nervous or don't know what else to do.
If you had to describe yourself using three words, it would be… Encouraging, silly and spontaneous
When, how, why did you start attending Living Hope? I started attending Living Hope in September 2007. I had just moved home from college and my cousin Lia invited me to play the piano on the worship team.
Who's your favorite pastor's wife? Jamie!! =) Okay - that one's getting old, right? I'll come up with a new one. - Jamie

#1 Song the Day You Were Born

What was the music like when you were born? Elvis, the Beetles, or are you an 80's baby born when Duran Duran or Brian Adams topped the charts? Click this link and you can find out what song, by which artist, was #1 on the day you were born. It only takes a second and it's really kind of fun!

http://www.joshhosler.biz/NumberOneInHistory/SelectMonth.htm

Easy Chicken Recipe

Times are tough. When we're spending $4.50 or more on a gallon of gas, it's hard to justify eating out. Even a meal at McDonald's can really add up! If you find time to cook every night, there's a point when we get tired of the same dishes week after week! I thought I'd share one of my favorite, easy recipes with my girlfriends and ask you to do the same. Send me your quick and easy recipe to ragamuffin_kids@yahoo.com and I'll post it for others to try. Until then, here's one of my families favorites and it's so simple!

1 - 1.5 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breast
1 box of stove top stuffing - chicken flavor
4 Tbsp butter/margarine
1 cup water
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can cream of celery soup

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cover chicken breast with water on stove top and bring to a boil for 15 minutes. While boiling, prepare Stove Top stuffing in the microwave, following directions on the box (add water and butter to the mix and microwave for 5 minutes). Cut chicken into 1" cubes and put in the bottom of casserole dish. Stir in cream of chicken and cream of celery soups directly from the can; do not add water. Top with the prepared stuffing and bake at 350 for 20 minutes.

ENJOY!!

The Ends of the Earth

A couple of week ago, Jeff and I attended a missions seminar with Simone and Luchie. Though I've been in church and exposed to missions causes all my life, these seminars were an eye-opener for me! I was reminded of something called the 10/40 window. This "window" is an area that contains the largest population of non-Christians in the world. The area extends from 10 degrees to 40 degrees North of the equator, and stretches from North Africa across to China.

We pray, we send money, we may even go on a short-term mission trip to help unreached people in some small way. Then, we go about our daily lives here in America and often forget that there are still millions of people who don't know the Lord. In fact, I heard of one country that only has 15 known Christians in the entire country! Wow... and we thought there weren't many of us in California.

Leading people to Christ is not something God asks us to leave for "missionaries" or "pastors". It's a commandment that God gave all of us.

"Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matt. 28:18-20

What are YOU doing to reach those who have never even heard of Christ? What are WE as women doing to reach other women who are hurting, hopeless, abused, and unloved? I challenge you to think on this for a few days. Pray about it. Ask God what YOU can do to help someone in an unreached land. It won't be long before GIRLFRIENDS get together to make a difference in the lives of one of these unreached groups and we want YOU to be a part! More to come soon!

Girlfriend Spotlight on Amy Swanson!

We're excited to introduce to you our next Girlfriend Spotlight! Enjoy getting to know a few things about Amy that you never knew before! You're AWESOME AMY! We love you!

What is your full name? Amy Diane (Proctor{official 2 aug}) Swanson
Do you have any brothers or sisters? I'm the youngest of 6. 2 brothers 3 sisters
Where did you grow up? Danvers Mass
Are you married? If so, to whom and how long? Divorced after 19ys
Do you have any kids or grand kids? Beverly 17, Christopher 15
Name a favorite thing about someone in your family. Christopher's sense of humor
What is your current job? Hairstylist
What profession would you like to attempt? I very happy with what I do.
If you could have an endless supply of any food, what would you get? Lobster or ice cream, and chocolate when in crisis mode.
What is one goal you’d like to accomplish during your lifetime? A God centered marriage that last the rest of my life!
Who is your hero? My Dad, I hated my dad for the longest time. My parents divorced when I was 7. After 25 yrs. He said he no longer loved my mom. Recently I found out that my mom wanted out of the marriage. And my dad took all the blame. When I mom was dying of cancer, my dad took her to treatments, brought her friends to see her. He loved her and still does. He took a lot of abuse from the 6 of us. He is one of the strongest Christian men I know. He is my hero.
What’s your favorite thing to do in the summer? Sail
Are you a morning or night person? Both
What are your favorite hobbies? Sailing, and now motorcycling.
What are your pet peeves? Cancellation of appointments/plans and whining
What turns you on? Positive people
What turns you off? Negative people. I'm negative enough I don't need extra.
If I could be anybody besides myself, I would be… With God working on me daily I'm quite happy being me.
When, how, why did you start attending Living Hope? A year ago May because Bevy was going to the youth group here.
Who's your favorite pastor's wife? Of course, Jamie

Summer Study - Conversation Peace

It's finally here! Our new Bible Study, Conversation Peace, by Mary Kassian! We look forward to this study starting up on TUESDAY nights (the youth now meet on Wednesdays and some of our ladies help).

We plan to meet at the Firehouse Cafe on Tuesday, June 24th for our 1st session at 6:30 p.m. If you can, come prepared to order a sandwich for dinner and support this restaurant as they support Living Hope Girlfriends! Or, feel free to eat at home and join us at 7 for a refreshing beverage and a great Bible Study conversation! Either way - we want to see YOU!

This study promises to be a great one as we explore the depths of women and our habits of speech. Do we use our mouths the way God intended? Where can we improve? Come find out next week as we build our relationships and have a great time!

Interesting Facts About Women

Okay, these are some interesting "facts" about women that I found on a silly dating website. No, I'm NOT looking for a date, but somehow, I found myself reading this list and thought it was funny. I'm not so sure all these stereotypical facts are really correct though. What do you think?

1. Women need to cry. And they won't do it alone unless they know you can hear them.

2. Women love to talk. Silence intimidates them and they feel a need to fill it, even if they have nothing to say.

3. Women never have anything to wear. Don't question the racks of clothes in the closet; you "just don't understand".

4. Women hate bugs. Even the strong-willed ones need a man around when there's a spider or a wasp involved.

5.Women are never wrong. Apologizing is the man's responsibility, "It's there in the bible".

6. Women have better restrooms. Ladies receive the royal treatment in the ladies room. Gents just get a large bowl to share.

7. The average number of items in a typical woman's bathroom is 437. A man would not be able to identify most of these items.

8. Women keep three different shampoos and two different conditioners in the shower. After a woman showers, the bathroom will smell like a tropical rain forest.

9. If a man goes on a seven-day trip, he'll pack five days worth of clothes and will wear some things twice; if a woman goes on a seven-day trip she'll pack 21 outfits because she doesn't know what she'll feel like wearing each day.

10. Women will drive miles out of their way to avoid the possibility of getting lost using a shortcut.

Girlfriend Spotlight on Angela Lockwood

Introducing the Girlfriends Spotlight! Over the next several weeks, you'll get an opportunity to meet the many girlfriends we have at Living Hope. One at a time, we'll have some fun reading little pieces of information about these ladies and finding out what makes them tick! You may have the chance to meet someone new or find out some fun information about an old friend. Feel free to ask questions in the comment space and our girlfriend in the spotlight can answer them for us. Hope this is fun... I think you'll enjoy it!

What is your full name? Angela Minatre Lockwood
Do you have any brothers or sisters? I have 1 sister about a year younger than me.
Where did you grow up? Born and raised in N. California (primarily Vacaville)
Are you married? If so, to whom and how long? I have been married to Phil for 10 years.
Do you have any kids or grand kids ?My son Ethan is 5.
Name a favorite thing about someone in your family. No one can make me laugh like my sister can.
What is your current job? Part-time bookkeeper
What profession would you like to attempt? Working in a test kitchen for a food magazine or something like that.
If you could have an endless supply of any food, what would you get? Dark chocolate
What is one goal you’d like to accomplish during your lifetime? Making a pie from scratch.
Who is your hero? My mom - putting up with our family makes her a saint in my eyes!
What’s your favorite thing to do in the summer? Being in the sun - I love hot days!
Are you a morning or night person? Definitely a morning person!
What are your favorite hobbies? I'm a casual runner/ jogger/ walker and I really enjoy cooking for my family.
What are your pet peeves? "Should've, could've, would'ves".
What turns you on? A clean house.
What turns you off? Clutter.
Tell us about a unique or quirky habit of yours. I twirl my hair.
If you had to describe yourself using three words, it would be… Practical, quiet, caring
If I could be anybody besides myself, I would be… I can't think of anyone who has it better than me!
When, how, why did you start attending Living Hope? Pretty much from the beginning. Came from Valley. We checked the group out and decided to stay.
Who's your favorite pastor's wife? Hmm, let me see....

Maria Sue Chapman, Remembered

In a few short days, she captured our hearts, though most of us have never met her. Maria Sue Chapman, the daughter of famous Christian musician, Steven Curtis Chapman, has crept into our souls and given us a new perspective on life and love and the gifts God has given us through our children.

Two weeks ago, sweet little Maria was accidentally run over in her family's driveway by her brother who drove their SUV. After a visit to the hospital, she lost her battle for life and went to be with Jesus. So many emotions and questions have come to the surface since that day and prayers have gone out for the family. Why does God allow this precious orphan to be rescued from her sure ill-fate in China only to be killed at the age of 5 in such a tragic way? It's one of many questions we may never get an answer to while here on earth.

A long time fan of SCC (more than 20 years), it's funny how I feel like a piece of me died. I never knew this sweet spirit, but I was fortunate to have met Steven, his wife Beth, and his brother. Even still, as a human, a mom, a lover of children, it's impossible not to let this grief slip into my heart each time I think of them. How much greater then, must this grief be for Steven himself and their close friends and family?

Today, I ask my "girlfriends" to take a moment and pray. Pray for the family to find peace in this time when only the opposite feelings intrude. Pray especially for Maria's big brother, who will undoubtedly suffer great emotional pain knowing he was at the wheel when this horrific accident occurred. As the days and weeks go by and Steven's fans and the rest of America forget about this big news story, their family will continue to hurt and grieve. Pray that they will experience the miracle of rest in their hearts and get through the pain moment-by-moment, one day at a time. How can you keep this in the forefront of your memory? Every time you hear a SCC song on the radio or see a news brief on the state of China, think of the Chapmans and say a prayer for them.

Want to do even more? Give a gift to Shaohannah's Hope, a foundation for orphans in China, named after Steven's first adopted daughter. Just click on this link for more information on Maria's Miracle Fund. https://secure2.convio.net/ccsh/site/Donation2?idb=2079166640&df_id=1560&1560.donation=form1&JServSessionIdr009=ma974rkmx1.app14a

Summer's Here!

Today is the last day of school and the community of Dixon is about to change in so many ways. It's not officially the start of summer yet, but when school's out, the feeling is all the same. Sleeping in, swimming, shopping, movies, sleep-overs... our kids think they deserve something new and special every day - just because IT'S SUMMER! Of course, they're kids, and in some ways, I guess they're right. We just have to keep reminding them that their responsibilities haven't gone away all together just because it's light outside longer and they don't have homework.

I must admit, I'm a summer time fan myself and look forward to time off with the kids and opportunities to relax. Unfortunately, sometimes that thinking can sink into my habits at church and in my relationship with God.

So this is the challenge. Just because it's summer and my schedule's changing a bit, does it mean I don't have to make church a priority? Do I get to take a summer break from reading my Bible and prayer? Do I still have to minister to those who interrupt my day and have needs to be met? These questions may seem silly, but they're not too far off from the way we justify "taking a break" from our relationship with God when our schedule changes. It may not be intentional, but just like a kid, we shy away from our commitments to the things that matter most.

I encourage you to train your mind to think differently this summer. This is a time to enjoy all the best parts of life that God has to offer. We can soak up extra time with family and friends, savor all the ice cream we can eat, and yet still keep our commitment to serving Jesus just like we do throughout the rest of the year. So enjoy your fun in the sun and don't forget to thank Jesus for all that summer has to offer!

Fit Flops - The New Craze!

Have you seen these yet? They're an awesome new shoe for summer that is trendy and cute, but also offer support and a boost to help you workout while you walk! Here's the deal. They increase leg and calf muscles while you walk to help you burn more calories than if you were walking in a typical tennis shoe. However, they reduce strain on your feet, knees, and back, so you get the support you need! I must admit that I haven't tried them yet, and at $50 a pair, it may be a while. The next time I have a little extra cash - this is at the top of my treat list, though.

We heard from one of our very own girlfriends recently that her kids ordered a pair for her to try on Mother's Day. So ask Colette the next time you see her if the claims are true! Oprah gave them to her audience recently as one of her "favorite things" of the summer. (So they must be great, right?!) If you've had a chance to check them out personally, be sure to let the rest of us know if the benefit is worth the cash! In the mean time, you can check out their web site at http://www.footsmart.com/. Look at all the various colors and find the pair that works with your wardrobe. Happy summer and happy fitness, girlfriends!