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!

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/.

Missions Moment

ALL GIRLFRIENDS ARE INVITED!Come join us this Saturday evening, July 11th at 7:00 p.m. for worship at Living Hope Church! This week, we have a very special treat. Our Missionary friend to Malaysia will join us in service. (In an effort to protect her family and their ministry, I won't mention her name in this post). She'll take a moment to give us an update on their family's ministry there.

Many of you were part of a creative gift-making effort for this special family. At our Girlfriends Getaway in April, we made beautiful family scrapbooks for 3 of the mission families that Living Hope Church supports.

BE THERE this Saturday evening as we present this scrapbook to our friend. I know she'll love the book, but even more, she'll LOVE the hugs and words of love and encouragement you can offer her in person.

Can't wait to see each of you there!

2nd Annual Back-to-School Big Give!

Save the date!

Sunday, August 2nd

2 - 4 p.m.

Tremont Elementary School

Make plans now to join Living Hope Church at our 2nd Annual Back-to-School Big Give. Last year we gave away 300 back packs to needy school children in our community. This year, we hope to pack 400 bags full of school supplies and offer them to any child who attends, along with a hair cut, crafts, face painting, bounce houses, Bibles, a free meal, and more!

We need ALL our Girlfriends to volunteer at this event! Look for sign up sheets at our weekend services and pick an area where you can volunteer 30 minutes of your time! Areas of need include:

• Kids Crafts
• Registration
• Back Pack Distribution
• Bounce House supervision
• Serving Pizza & Drinks
• Hosting the Hair Cut station
• Face Painting
• Follow Up Visits to families who attend

See Jamie if you have any questions or want to get involved. We can't wait to see you there and experience the joy of giving BIG!

Pray for Tamara Batta!

Tamara Batta has been in recent recovery from an extensive brain surgery to remove a tumor. She is currently back at the UCSF hospital. She was admitted last week because they thought some infection might be setting in where they did the brain surgery. No infection, but they've decided to go back in for another surgery to install a shunt that will help the fluid drain and keep pressure from building up. She's obviously upset that they need to do another surgery. She really needs our prayers right now for peace and she'll need our prayers this Wednesday , July 8th at 5pm while they do her surgery.

In addition, families are taking turns providing a meal for the Batta family at home. Her mother is in town helping to care for their son, Bryce. If you would like to help with this ministry, please conact me at ragamuffin_kids@yahoo.com.

Thanks for your prayers, girlfriends!

Best PMS Question Ever

How many women with PMS does it take to change a light bulb?

Woman's Answer:
One!
ONLY ONE!!!! And do you know WHY? Because no one else in this house knows HOW to change a light bulb! They don't even know that the bulb is BURNED OUT!! They would sit in the dark for THREE DAYS before they figured it out.
And, once they figured it out, they wouldn't be able to find the dang light bulbs despite the fact that they've been in the SAME CABINET for the past 17 YEARS! But if they did, by some miracle, actually find them, 2 DAYS LATER, the chair they dragged to stand on to change theSTUPID light bulbwould STILL BE IN THE SAME SPOT!!!!! AND UNDERNEATH IT WOULD BE THE WRAPPER THE FREAKING LIGHT BULBS CAME IN!!! BECAUSE NO ONE EVER PICKS UP OR CARRIES OUT THE GARBAGE!!!! IT'S A WONDER WE HAVEN'T ALL SUFFOCATEDFROM THE PILES OF GARBAGE THAT ARE A FOOT DEEP THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE HOUSE!!
IT WOULD TAKE AN ARMY TO CLEAN THIS PLACE!AND DON'T EVEN GET ME STARTED ON WHO CHANGES THE TOILET PAPER ROLL !!

I'm sorry. What was the question?

Celebrate Your Father!

For some of us, it's easy to celebrate our fathers. Memories of a happy home, Godly values, and a safe place give us warm feelings. For others, memories of dad may be questionable with neglect, abuse, or no father at all in the picture.

Regardless - if you have put your faith and trust in Jesus, He is the father you can now depend on. Jesus is the father who will never neglect, abuse, or hurt. He's always there, waiting patiently to love us and help us through difficult times or bring joy to us in the good times.

Whether or not you choose to celebrate your "dad" today... take time to celebrate, thank, and show love to your heavenly father.

Happy Father's Day!

Why God Made Moms

Answers given by 2nd grade school children to the following questions:

Why did God make mothers?
1. She's the only one who knows where the scotch tape is.
2. Mostly to clean the house.
3. To help us out of there when we were getting born.
How did God make mothers?
1. He used dirt, just like for the rest of us.
2. Magic plus super powers and a lot of stirring.
3. God made my mom just the same like he made me. He just used bigger parts.
What ingredients are mothers made of?
1. God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice in the world and one dab of mean.
2. They had to get their start from men's bones. Then they mostly use string, I think.
Why did God give you your mother and not some other mom?
1. We're related.
2. God knew she likes me a lot more than other people's mom like me.
What kind of a little girl was your mom?
1. My mom has always been my mom and none of that other stuff.
2. I don't know because I wasn't there, but my guess would be pretty bossy.
3. They say she used to be nice.
What did mom need to know about dad before she married him?
1. His last name.
2. She had to know his background. Like is he a crook? Does he get drunk on beer?
3. Does he make at least $800 a year? Did he say NO to drugs and YES to chores?
Why did your mom marry your dad?
1. My dad makes the best spaghetti in the world. And my mom eats a lot.
2. She got too old to do anything else with him.
3. My grandma says that mom didn't have her thinking cap on.
Who's the boss at your house?
1. Mom doesn't want to be boss, but she has to because dad's such a goof ball.
2. Mom. You can tell by room inspection. She sees the stuff under the bed.
3. I guess mom is, but only because she has a lot more to do than dad.
What's the difference between moms and dads?
1. Moms work at work and work at home and dads just go to work at work.
2. Moms know how to talk to teachers without scaring them.
3. Dads are taller and stronger, but moms have all the real power 'cause that's who you got to ask if you want to sleep over at your friends.
4. Moms have magic, they make you feel better without medicine.
What does your mom do in her spare time?
1. Mothers don't do spare time.
2. To hear her tell it, she pays bills all day long.
What would it take to make your mom perfect?
1. On the inside she's already perfect. Outside, I think some kind of plastic surgery.
2. Diet. You know, her hair. I'd diet, maybe blue.
If you could change one thing about your mom, what would it be?
1. She has this weird thing about me keeping my room clean. I'd get rid of that.
2. I'd make my mom smarter. Then she would know it was my sister who did it not me.
3. I would like for her to get rid of those invisible eyes on the back of her head.

Are women born this way?

Check out this video... I love it!

Curves Cereal Fruit & Nut Bars Recipe

Thanks to Mary Andrew for this yummy contribution to the blog!

CURVES CEREAL FRUIT AND NUT BARS

 

Prep Time:  20 minutes

Start to finish:  50 minutes

 

4 cups Curves Honey Crunch cereal - or use the Fiber One

1 cup chopped mixed dried fruit or dried fruit bits (from 7-oz bag)

½ cup roasted unsalted sunflower seeds

½ cup dry-roasted peanuts

¾ cup packed brown sugar

½ cup corn syrup

¼ cup creamy peanut butter

1 tsp. vanilla

 

1.  Coat a 9” x 9” pan with cooking spray.  In a large bowl, mix cereal, dried fruit, sunflower seeds, and peanuts.

2.  In a 2-qt. saucepan, mix sugar, corn syrup, and peanut butter.  Heat to boiling over medium-high heat, stirring constantly.  Boil and stir 1 minute.  Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

3.  Pour syrup over snack mix and toss to coat.  Press firmly in pan.  Cool completely, about 30 minutes.  For bars, cut into 6 rows by 4 rows.

 

Per Bar:  150 calories, 3 g. protein, 25 g carbohydrate, 4.5 g fat, 0.5 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 2 g fiber, 95mg sodium.

 

Substitution:  Get creative and replace the dried fruit and seeds with different flavors.  Try dried cranberries with pistachios or dried apricots with almonds.

 

Health Twist:  Replacing saturated fats with unsaturated fats from nuts and seeds is good for your heart.  But, fats are high in calories so keep portions small.

Scrapbook Love to the Khoury Family

At our Girlfriend's Getaway, we spent time making scrapbooks for three of our missionary families.  Mimi Khoury received hers this week and sent us this sweet message.

I absolutely cried when I got the beautiful scrap book!  That is the most thoughtful thing anyone has ever done for me. Thank you so much, thank the ladies from me and all of us.  I leave tomorrow morning...really starting to miss the boys!  (and Nabil, of course!)

We love you,

Mimi

India Garage Sale!

Visit the India Team Garage Sale fundraiser on Friday and Saturday mornings, May 29th and 30th from 9 a.m. - 12:00 noon!  All proceeds go to the 9 India Team Members who are going on a mission to Little Flocks orphanage in October.  Each team member must raise $2,600 - WOW!  Every little bit helps and we appreciate all you've done to support us thus far.

Garage Sale Location is: 655 Schooner Ridge Drive in Dixon.

See you there!

Cell Phone Vs. Bible

This is a cute one sent to me by Maria Escobar. Thanks for sharing!


Ever wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell phone?

What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?

What if we flipped through it several time a day?

What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it?

What if we used it to receive messages from the text?

What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?

What if we gave it to kids as gifts?

What if we used it when we traveled?

What if we used it in case of emergency?

This is something to make you go....hmm...where is my Bible? Oh, and one more thing. Unlike our cell phone, we don't have to worry about our Bible being disconnected because Jesus already paid the bill. Makes you stop and think "where are my priorities"? And no dropped calls!

Trust in the Lord and *ASAP (Always Say A Prayer).

Girlfriends Power Breakfast!

Join us THIS SATURDAY as we honor all women at our monthly Girlfriends Power Breakfast.

Mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts, cousins, friends... we want to celebrate each other this week!  Our very own Mary Andrew will be speaking to us and we have some prizes and other special moments to share.

Sat. May 16th

9:00 - 10:30 a.m.

Sweet Stuff Ice Cream & Deli (1st Street in Dixon)

$6.00 per person includes breakfast sandwich, fresh fruit, coffee, and juice!

Bring a friend.  We can't wait to see you there!

Blank Check!

A blank check... can you imagine?  A check is in your possession with a blank dollar amount waiting for you to fill in the blanks.  Most importantly, there are an endless amount of funds to back up that check!

Philippians 4:19 says, "My God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus."

How rich is God?  Rich enough to cover all your needs and then some!  He's generous enough to give forgiveness that we never deserved.  He's the creator of the universe and owns all that is within it!  He's merciful and willing to give us His provisions to meet all our needs - physical, emotional, and spiritual.

Take a moment to thank God today for the blank check He's written in your name!

Prayer Priority

This week, let's focus our prayer time on mothers.  Mother's Day will be celebrated this weekend.  For many, it will be a time of enjoyment.  But for some, it will be full of difficult memories, or sadness because they have no children, or a strained relationship with their mother or children.  Pray that God will bless our mothers and offer peace and hope to those who need it during this holiday.

Message from Linda!

Our dearest Linda Vannoy, speaker at our Girlfriends Getaway, sent this message for me to share with all our Girlfriends at Living Hope.

Wow....what a wonderful week I've seen since we were all together last week. It just doesn't seem the same. 

My heart was sooo impacted by all of you ladies from living hope. I saw Jesus with skin on; I saw brokenness; I saw faith being borrowed and faith being shared. I saw women walking towards our Lord and I was brought into His presence in song; through His word and through the testimonies of other ladies. Thank you all for the profound experience of being in kingdom ministry alongside you.

May His blessing constantly amaze and profound you as he displays his miraculous personal presence with you all.

Blessings----little one

Beautiful Christian Sister

Here's a great poem, submitted by Lia Hughes... thanks for sharing, Lia!

BEAUTIFUL CHRISTIAN SISTER 

By Maya Angelou 

'A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ 

That a man should have to seek Him first to find her.'

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not shouting 'I'm clean living,' 

I'm whispering 'I was lost, Now I'm found and forgiven.' 

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I don't speak of this with pride. 

I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide. 

When I say.. 'I am a Christian' I'm not trying to be strong. 

I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on. 

When I say.. 'I am a Christian' I'm not bragging of success. 

I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess. 

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not claiming to be perfect, 

My flaws are far too visible, but God believes I am worth it. 

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I still feel the sting of pain.... 

I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name. 

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not holier than thou, 

I'm just a simple sinner Who received God's good grace, somehow! 

Pretty is as Pretty does... But beautiful is just plain beautiful!

Girlfriends Getaway - THIS MONTH!

 “A Journey of Faith” 

What life journey are you on?

How will you handle the road bumps? 

 Saturday & Sunday, April 25^th & 26^th

Holiday Inn Express

1398 East Roseville Pkwy

Roseville, CA

Cost is just $100 and Your Weekend Journey Includes:

·     Special guest speaker, Linda Vannoy

·     Refreshing Worship in Song

·     Breakout Discussion & Prayer Groups

·     Missions Support Activities

·     Girlfriends Pajama Party!

·     Delicious Food – cooked just for you!

·     A Pampering Spa Treatment

·     And oh… so much more!

Pick up a registration form at church THIS SUNDAY!  

We want to reserve a room for you.

Prayer Priority

As we gather things to send to Elizabeth Claasen this week, let's remember to pray for her. Pray that she would be encouraged as a wife and mother, and that her ministry to the people of Paupa New Guinea would be blessed.

Girlfriends Power Breakfast!

It's girlfriend time!

THIS Saturday, March 28th - 9:00 a.m.

Sweet Stuff Ice Cream and Deli in Dixon on First Street.

$5 - full breakfast, or just come for a cup of coffee.

(Pay at the door - no sign ups this month.)

Our special guest speaker is Donna Horgan, Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) leader from Davis, CA.

She's has an incredible story that speaks to many women on many levels, so there's sure to be something you'll connect with.

In addition, plan to bring your Missions Challenge items for Elizabeth Classen's care package!

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

Women's Weight Loss Life Group Starts Wednesday!

Hi ladies!  Our new life group for a Biblical weight loss plan starts this week, on Wednesday, March 18th.  We'll meet at the home of Mia Taylor from 7 - 8:30 p.m.  Your group facilitators are Mia Taylor and Cindy Minatre and the material the group will use is called 3-D.  

Your Whole Life is the group you need if . . . 
• You have trouble coping with the demands on your life 
• You're tired of being obsessed with your weight 
• You're not interested in another diet program - you're interested in eating right 
• You know exercise is important to your health, but you don't know how or when to do it
• You wish you could enjoy your life and the beauty around you 
• You desire the freedom that comes from self-acceptance 
• You want to experience the love of God in your daily life 

Your Whole Life: The 3D Plan for Eating Right, Living Well, and Loving God is a 12-week journey to wholeness. In this book, Carol tells her own story and gives the spiritual foundation of the 3D plan, with new understanding for today. With honesty, realism, and encouragement, Your Whole Life provides weekly nutritional goals, a do-able exercise plan, tips for living well, daily spiritual readings, and more. 

Hope to see you there!