Baby Blankets & T-shirts for the Pal Tribe

Help out our girlfriends from the Pal Tribe in Papua New Guinea.

Newborn babies in this remote tribe have nothing...

A simple blanket will mean so much!

Bring INEXPENSIVE Receiving blankets & Baby t-shirts (not body-suits)
to church through the month of September..
Place them in our collection bin in the back of our worship area.

What a great way to take Jesus "to the ends of the earth".

The LITTLE Things

I once heard in a sermon that "Ministry happens in the interruptions of life". It seems that when we're busy, overwhelmed, and over-loaded, someone or somebody comes along needing a helping hand. At times - we just can't imagine how this interruption could be a ministry opportunity. The writing below was sent to me by one of our girlfriends, Sheri. It was a great reminder to me that God is in control. He has a plan and purpose for all aspects of our lives and the day-to-day events that we encounter. Do we look at them as opportunities or frustrations?

As you might remember, the head of a company survived 9/11 because his son started kindergarten. Another fellow was alive because it was His turn to bring donuts. One woman was late because her Alarm clock didn't go off in time. One was late because of being stuck on the NJ Turnpike because of an auto accident. One of them Missed his bus. One spilled food on her clothes and had to take time to change. One's Car wouldn't start. One couldn't Get a taxi. The one that struck me was the man Who put on a new pair of shoes that morning, Took the various means to get to work But before he got there, he developed A blister on his foot. He stopped at a drugstore to buy a Band-Aid. That is why he is alive today.

Now when I am Stuck in traffic, miss an elevator, turn back to answer a ringing telephone ...
all the little things that annoy me, I think to myself, "This is exactly where God wants me to be at this very moment." Next time your morning seems to be going wrong , the children are slow getting dressed, you can't seem to find the car keys, you hit every traffic light, don't get mad or frustrated; It May just be that God is at work watching over you. May God continue to bless you with all those annoying little things and may you remember their possible purpose.

Girlfriends Power Breakfast is Back!

Get ready, ladies! Our monthly Power Breakfasts have resumed. Join us THIS SATURDAY!

August 22nd
9 - 10:30 a.m.
Bud's Pub & Grill

Downtown Dixon

$10 - includes, choice of breakfast entree, beverage, tax, & tip!

This month, our focus is NEW BEGINNINGS. Romans 12:2 says, "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."

Come join us for more insight into this verse and God's plan for YOUR renewal!

Feel free to bring a friend. We can't wait to see you there!

The Devil & The Duck

Great little story - thanks to Maria for sending it our way!

There was a little boy visiting his grandparents on their farm. He was given a slingshot to play with out in the woods. He practiced in the woods, but he could never hit the target. Getting a little discouraged, he headed back for dinner. As he was walking back he saw Grandma's pet duck. Just out of impulse, he let the slingshot fly, hit the duck square in the head and killed it. He was shocked and grieved! In a panic, he hid the dead duck in the wood pile; only to see his Sister watching! Sally had seen it all, but she said nothing. After lunch the next day Grandma said, 'Sally, let's wash the dishes', but Sally said, 'Grandma, Johnny told me he wanted to help in the kitchen. Then she whispered to him, "Remember the duck?" So Johnny did the dishes. Later that day, Grandpa asked if the children wanted to go fishing and Grandma said, "I'm sorry but I need Sally to help make supper." Sally just smiled and said, "well that's all right because Johnny told me he wanted to help?" She whispered again, "Remember the duck?" So Sally went fishing and Johnny stayed to help. After several days of Johnny doing both his chores and Sally's, he finally couldn't stand it any longer. He came to Grandma and confessed that he had killed the duck. Grandma knelt down, gave him a hug and said, "Sweetheart, I know. You see, I was standing at the window and I saw the whole thing, but because I love you, I forgave you. I was just wondering how long you would let Sally make a slave of you."

Whatever is in your past, whatever you have done - and the devil keeps throwing it up in your face (lying, cheating, debt, fear, bad habits, hatred, anger, bitterness, gossip, etc., you need to know that God was standing at the window and He saw the whole thing. He has seen your whole life. He wants you to know that He loves you and that you are forgiven. He's just wondering how long you will let the devil make a slave of you. The great thing about God is that when you ask for forgiveness, He not only forgives you, but He forgets. It is by God's grace and mercy that we are saved.

Four Questions Wives Should Ask Their Husbands

This is a post from Perry Noble's blog, pastor of NewSpring Church in South Carolina. I thought it was incredible and wanted to share it with our Girlfriends! You can visit his blog sometime at www.perrynoble.com.

Ladies - as you read this, let me challenge you, for once, to put YOUR feelings, thoughts, or frustrations with your husband aside. Ask him these questions and allow him to be honest with you without getting defensive. There will be time for him to reciprocate later. This may be a first step of many in making huge improvements in your marriage! Think you're doing everything right? Ask him these questions anyway, you may be surprised at what you hear.

A few weeks ago I did this post about Five Questions Husbands Should Ask Their Wives that got a lot of attention…and I received a lot of communication from women and men asking, “what should wives ask their husbands?” So…I thought I would give it a shot! (Tried to think of five…but the truth is men just don’t need as much conversation as women do!) :-)

#1 - Do You Feel Admired?
Ladies, your husband wants to know that YOU think he looks good–period! AND…you should NEVER allow someone at work to tell him “that looks good on you,” or, “you look good in that shirt.” He’s YOUR husband…and YOU should do all that you can to make sure you admire him!
Trust me…there isn’t a man on this planet that doesn’t want to hear “I think you are hot/sexy/all that and a bag of chips” from the lady he most admires and desires! And ladies…you cannot take for granted–HE WANTS and NEEDS to hear this from you!

Trust me…NO ONE’S opinion matters to me more than Lucretia’s…and if she says I look good–then DANG IT…I do! What is SO dangerous is that often times men will have someone in their lives that makes them feel admired–satan will make sure of that!!! BUT…if he is getting the attention/admiration from his wife then it makes it SO much easier to lead with confidence and resist temptation that comes his way. SO…ask him…does he feel admired by you? It DOES matter to him!

#2 - Do You Feel Respected?
EVERY man wants respect! AND…every man wants to be respected by his wife. (Ladies–STOP IT…I know some of you are saying right now, “well, when he begins to be respectable then I will…”) That isn’t the point here…the question is from YOU to HIM…and it do you feel respected?

Let me give you a few insights…
His answer is going to be “no” if you are always telling your children what a loser their father is and that you wish he were a better dad to them.
His answer is going to be “no” if you are always telling your girlfriends (usually in the form of a prayer request) what a low life he is and how he drives you crazy.
His answer is going to be “no” if he has shared vulnerable thoughts and emotions with you…and you take that information and use it as a “conversation piece” with your lunch buddies!
His answer is going to be “no” if you have never taught your children to thank him for the way he provides and such.
His answer is going to be “no” if you are NEVER interested in what he is doing. (I am amazed at how many women don’t even know what their husband does at work…or what his favorite hobby is.)
One of his BIGGEST NEEDS is to feel respected…and the person he needs it from the most is his wife!
So…ask him.

#3 - Do You Feel Taken Care Of?
Every man, from time to time, wants to be able to come home and relax for a few minutes…to take off his shoes and just sit down. BUT…when a wife stands at the door and barks out orders before the garage door closes…a man feels pressured and pressed down…and honestly begins to think, “I should have stayed at work…at least there I get treated like I am somebody!”

This does not negate the fact he needs to show up and serve…but from time to time…give him a break when he hits the door and let him catch his breath. Trust me…this is HUGE!

#4 - Is Our Sex Life Fulfilling To You?
Anytime “men” are discussed in marriage you just KNOW that SEX is going to be a topic of discussion!
BTW…if you don’t want to ask this question…you probably already know the answer!
In every survey that I’ve ever read sex is ranked #1 by men in regards to what they need (I think breathing is #2!)

Men want to know that their wife wants them…sexually. Believe me…it DOES matter to him. And ladies…just the fact that you take the time to ask this question will mean more to him than you could ever imagine.
AND…the ONLY way this area of a marriage will get better is if couples are willing to talk about it. My gosh…YOU’RE MARRIED!

If their has been pain and disappointment in the past–that needs to be talked about. If their have been unmet expectations on your part…then that needs to be talked about. YES, I know it “takes two to tango…” BUT…
The purpose of this question is for you to ask does he feel taken care of in this area. I KNOW this can be SO uncomfortable for so many couples right now…but you can either deal with it now…OR you WILL deal with it later.
Uncomfortable conversations must take place at times in order for a marriage to achieve its maximum potential!

So…ladies…there you go.

Slumdog Women

If you're following our new sermon series you know that Jeff has been talking about "Slumdog Disciples". This email Maria sent to me just seemed to really emphasize Jeff's sermon point - "Blessed are the poor in spirit":

Women have strengths that amaze men.

They bear hardships and they carry burdens, but they hold happiness, love and joy.

They smile when they want to scream.

They sing when they want to cry.

They cry when they are happy and laugh when they are nervous.

They fight for what they believe in.

They stand up to injustice.

They don't take "no" for an answer when they believe there is a better solution.

They go without so their family can have.

They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.

They love unconditionally.

They cry when their children excel and cheer when their friends get awards.

They are happy when they hear about a birth or a wedding.

Their hearts break when a friend dies.

They grieve at the loss of a family member, yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left.

They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart.

Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.

They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you to show how much they care about you.

The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning.

They bring joy, hope and love.

They have compassion and ideas.

They give moral support to their family and friends.

Women have vital things to say and everything to give.

HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN,

IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.

How true this can be. So many of our amazing girlfriends have come to me for guidance or counsel. Much of the time I find that they suffer from a low self-esteem and feel they have no talents, abilities, or gifts. Some have told me that they feel they have no purpose. Last weekend in his sermon, Jeff reminded us that our worth is NOT in anything we can offer to Jesus, but in what He gives us! I'm thankful that my worth comes from HIM!

Big Give - Big Success!

Following is an article we submitted to the Dixon Tribune:

The multipurpose room of Tremont Elementary was transformed into a wonderland of giving on Sunday afternoon, August 2nd. Living Hope Church of Dixon hosted their 2nd Annual Back-to-School Big Give, free of charge for all members of the community. “It’s no secret that the state of our economy is affecting families in Dixon.” says Pastor Jeff Myers. “Living Hope just wanted to help Dixon families in a practical way and this was the perfect fit”. With over 400 people in attendance, every school-age child received a free backpack of their choice, stocked full of school supplies to get the new school season started off right. Kids’ faces were all smiles as they opened their packs and sifted through the contents to find brightly colored markers, paper, scissors, and all the basics that make the new school year fun. Six hair technicians from the Paul Mitchell Academy in Sacramento volunteered their time to cut hair for any student who desired a new look this fall. Boys and girls alike were thrilled at the opportunity to show off their new styles. For some, this may be the only professional hair cut they receive this year. For an extra touch of security, the Yolo County Masonic Lodge conducted digital fingerprinting, complete with pictures of each child for parents’ records.
While parents appreciated the sensible gifts, their children expended their energy jumping in bounce-houses, working on a variety of crafts for all ages, and displaying an array of artistic face paint designs. Though some waited their turn for hair cuts or crafts, a booth full of homemade baked goods and occasional door prize give-aways helped the time pass quickly.

So how does the church pull it off? In addition to gifts from the congregants, Living Hope is quick to recognize partnerships with local businesses who donated financially to make the event possible. Jeannine Walser - Coldwell Banker Real Estate, DJ Hay Service, Mariani Nut Company, and JMLC Landscaping were among the top supporters.

When asked why Living Hope decided to make this a part of their annual calendar, Pastor Myers responded, “Backpacks and haircuts may not seem like much, but to a family who struggles to put food on the table, it can make the difference of getting through another week. This is one small way our church can be Jesus to Dixon”. For more information about services or events at Living Hope Church, visit http://www.livinghope-dixon.com/.