Breakfast Success!

We had a terrific turnout at this month's Girlfriends Power Breakfast!  With 29 women in attendance, we've grown by 11 since last month.    Our speaker, Kristi Ent, shared an encouraging message about Jesus being our prince who "rescues" us from our difficult circumstances with the ultimate prize of heaven!  In His eyes - we're all princesses!  We enjoyed princess games, prizes, great food, and a mission challenge for the month.  More details on the challenge to come soon!  

In the mean time, I thought our ladies would love to see some pictures from today's event.  If you weren't there - we MISSED YOU!  Please save the date for next month's breakfast on March 28th from 9 - 10:30 a.m.

Prayer Priority

Hello Girlfriends!  This week as you join us in prayer, ask God to help you see people through His eyes - with love, grace, and compassion.

 

Thanks,

Angela 

Girlfriends Power Breakfast!

It's that time again!  This month, we'll meet on SATURDAY, FEB. 28th from 9 - 10:30 a.m. at the Sweet Stuff Ice Cream and Deli in downtown Dixon on First Street.  The cost is only $5 and includes a breakfast sandwich, fruit, and beverage.  *** Feel free to come just for a cup of coffee if you're not a breakfast eater.  You can also pay at the door if you didn't sign up - so come anyway! ***

Our special guest speaker is Kristi Ent, women's leader, and pastor's wife of Hope Christian Fellowship in Navato, CA.  She's a mother of 3, extraordinary musician and vocalist, and spiritual leader both in her home and church.  You'll be encouraged and challenged, so you don't want to miss this!

In addition, plan to bring your gently used jeans to donate for Cindy's "India Mission" quilt!

Can't wait to see each of you there with a friend!

Special Prayer Request

Okay girlfriends - you know what to do!!

My friend Denise was a roommate of mine when I went with Biola College to Germany in 1973. We had reconnected in the past 13 years or so when I found that she lived only a few blocks from my in-laws in Medford, Oregon. Her husband is a believer but has been involved in some very addictive behavior over the past 15 years. She has 2 children who are far from the Lord in lifestyle and commitment. She also is an only child whose mom has Alzheimer'sand her 90+year old dad is not a believer.  Lots of heavy issues.  They just found out that her husband has both bone and prostate cancer.  Please pray for her for strength and endurance for all that is ahead of them. Oh, and they have no insurance on him.  This is the kind of thing that the Lord allows you to encounter to let you know that your life isn't so bad!! That is what the Lord is showing me!!!!  Thanks for caring about my good friend Denise. 

Charlene

Prayer Priority

Alright, girlfriends... here's this week's prayer focus:

This week, pray for the teachers of Dixon. Pray that God would strengthen them and encouarge them during this uncertain time.

Angela

What's AGE Got To Do With It?

Hi girlfriends!  I read a new book this past week and wanted to share it with you.

What's AGE Got to Do With It, by Robin McGraw (better known as Dr. Phil's wife), is a great read for any woman of any age.  At the age of 55, Robin wants to share a few things she's learned about accepting her age and being the best she can be.  Robin Includes 9 Chapters in this friendly-read, including What's AGE, FITNESS, NUTRITION, SKIN CARE, HORMONES, HAIR, MAKEUP, FASHION, AND FAITH got to do with it?

To be honest, my initial reaction to the title of this book was that I'm only 37 and this may not be a good fit for me and the current issues I'm facing as a woman.  However, I was quickly drawn into the sincerity of her words that became a source of motivation for me to be my personal best at any age.  I believe that this book is extremely appropriate for even younger women as well, since it gives incredible assistance in areas that all women deal with on a regular basis.  In addition, it will help a younger woman prepare for what is to come one day soon.  If we take care of ourselves and build good habits now, our "aging" process will be much easier to handle and more enjoyable for ourselves and those around us!

This book touches on a few areas that may seem frivolous in the real scheme of life.  Robin consults with experts in the areas of skin care, make-up and fashion, as well as her own personal experiences and preferences in these areas.  She takes time however, to show us how our outside self can be a reflection of our inside spirit.  True beauty starts from within and if your inner-soul isn't at peace, your outside can reflect that.  Further, small changes in these areas of our lives can help bolster our confidence as a women.

Most importantly, the last chapter, on faith, is inspirational as Robin shares her story of coming into a relationship with Jesus and how ultimately, this is where she finds her peace at any age.  Without this basic foundation, nothing else matters.  This book would be a great book to share with a girlfriend who doesn't know Christ!  

Love In Its Purest Form

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres” (1 Corinthians 13:4 – 7).

As you go through this check list of the attributes of love, how is God speaking to you?  Is this how you show love to your neighbors, friends, husband, children, co-workers?    Regardless of how they treat you, how are you showing love, true love, pure love, to them?

If you're like me - there are many areas where you need work.  Don't let it overwhelm you.  Ask God to move in you and start making small changes today!

Weekly Prayer Priority

Hi girlfriends! In light of yesterday's message/discussion, pray that God would give you wisdom to live out your faith in a meaningful way in every area of your life.

Have a great week in prayer with Jesus. He LOVES hearing from you!

Count Your Blessings!

I received this email from one of our girlfriends, Liz, recently and wanted to share it with you.  Great reminder for us all!

Sometimes I have mornings where I feel burdened by my job or personal finances, or I’ll feel trapped in an apartment, or overwhelmed with things I have to do... but I’m so blessed.  So beyond blessed and it’s only my selfishness and sin telling me otherwise.  Today at work, (if you don’t know… I work for a law firm that does foreclosures) – I foreclosed a “home” that just made my jaw drop… and it reminded me that I have no reason to ever complain. 

Just thought I’d share a friendly reminder and encourage you all to remember how blessed we truly are…

Prayer Priority

Let's pray this week that our church would continue to be a safe place for people to bring their struggles, and a place where people find hope and encouragement.

Remember, when you come to a stop light or drive over a rail road track, it's your reminder to pray with your girlfriends for this week's focus. Thanks for taking part to change lives!

The Refiner's Fire

Here's a great devotion that I received from Adrienne today! I loved it and thought I would pass it on.

Malachi 3:3 says:
'He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.'

This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God. One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study.That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining Silver. As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: 'He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver.' She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined.The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, 'How do you know when the silver is fully refined?' He smiled at her and answered, 'Oh, that's easy -- when I see my image in it.'

If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has his eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you.