The "Gift" in Giving

I'm sitting on the couch watching Oprah... catching up on DVR shows and working on home school lessons. Today's show in particular is about big surprises that Oprah has been able to give a variety of people throughout the years. It's amazing to see the reaction on the faces of people who have been given the opportunity to meet a favorite celebrity, warm up with their dream professional baseball team, own a home when they had been homeless. My personal favorite, Rwandan refuges are united with their parents that they had been separated from for 12 years.

I admit, I'm an emotional person and the tears come easily. It's so exciting for me to see these people being given so much after life circumstances had taken so much away. What an amazing feeling it is just to WATCH someone ELSE give amazing gifts to people who are so deserving. I can't help but desire to experience that amazing act of giving myself! Imagine how much sweeter it is to be the giver.

One month to live... a chance to give. I'm going to find as many opportunities to change someones life by giving! I challenge you to do the same and share your experiences with your girlfriends! We may not be able to introduce our friends to a celebrity, but I'm sure you can think of gifts that will change their outlook or change their lives! Cook a meal; clean a house; watch a child so someone can have a much needed date night. Buy a bag of groceries, drive someones child to soccer practice, or write a card telling someone how amazing they are when you don't usually take the time. Fill a tank with gas, invite someone to church, mow a lawn. The opportunities are endless.

Don't forget, Jesus said that when we do for the least of these, it's as if we're serving HIM directly! I'm anxious to hear about all the creative ways you find to give this month!

India Team Project Night

Join other girlfriends from Living Hope to assemble scrapbooks for the Little Flock Orphanage children!

FRIDAY EVENING, Sept. 4th

7 p.m. - Home of Jamie Myers

No need to be a "scrapbooker" to help us! If you can cut, paste, and follow directions - we can use your help!

In addition - bring your favorite snack and a hobby or craft to work on when we're finished. Enjoy time with friends quilting, knitting, painting, or scrapbooking... whatever you enjoy! Great way to start your Labor Day weekend!

Contact Jamie for questions at ragamuffin_kids@yahoo.com. Hope to see you there!

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!