The other day, as I browsed through my mail, I came across the Crisis Pregnancy Centers (CPC) Newsletter.  A group picture of smiling women, clad in bright orange suits, caught my attention. 

“Nurses?” I pondered.  Nope.

I began to read the article below the picture and realized that these women were actually inmates at Perryville Prison.

These ladies decided they wanted to do something for CPC.  So they began crocheting booties and baby sweaters for the clients at the centers.  At first, only a few knew how to knit or crochet, so they taught others who wanted to participate.

“They also saved up their 10 cents an hour wage to put toward a sizable $600 plus donation – that’s 6,000 hours!” says Cathryn Merring, Director of CPC Phoenix.

Talk about generosity!

It reminds me of the actions of a very poor, yet generous woman.  Luke 21:1-3 says,  “As he looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury.  He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. I tell you the truth, he said, this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”

Reading this passage always brings tears to my eyes.  (Yes, I cry easily, but you get the idea.)  I picture the old lady humbly waiting in line for her turn to offer her contribution; then, I see her reaching out with her wrinkled, shaky hand to drop the two small coins.  Last, I picture her walking quietly back home, without being noticed, without anyone ever knowing the depths of her contribution and sacrifice.

But Jesus noticed.

In contrast to the women at Perryville, many times I feel like unless I do something “big” nothing I do for the Lord will really matter.  But they’ve proven me wrong.  Like Pastor Brian said this morning, “The Kingdom of God is about big things, but it’s also about small things.”

Mmmm…  Maybe my “small contribution” isn’t as insignificant as I might think.  Maybe one day my actions will impact others’ lives the way a modest group of inmates’ generous acts has impacted mine.

How do you feel about your own contribution?

This past weekend, Pastor Craig, shared the Vineyard saying:  “Everybody Gets to Play.”  It reminded me of a something that happened when I was a child.

I grew up here in Glendale a freckle-faced brunette in a neighborhood of blonds – 13 of them.  Not just any blond, but the light, almost white kind of blond.  To say I stood out in the crowd was an understatement.  Normally it didn’t matter to any of us, except when we played “Big Valley.” 

In the late 60s, the Big Valley was a popular television show.  For those of you over 40, you’re humming the theme song right now … “The big valley, the big valley …” (Ok, I know there weren’t words.) As little kids we would reenact the various episodes and inevitably, there was an argument over who would get to play Audra Barkley.

Audra was the beautiful, longhaired daughter, who was fussed over by her mama and pampered by her three handsome brothers.  As much as I would have liked to play Audra, that was never an option.  You see, Audra had long, blond hair.  With my brown hair, I wasn’t even considered for Audra.  I did, however, get a part.  I was Nick.  Not Heath, the handsome younger brother – Johnny (with blond hair) got to play him.  But Nick – the hot-headed, troublemaker.

When I didn’t play Nick, I (gulp) played a horse.  These are embarrassing facts of my childhood that I’m only now able to talk about.  I would have made a great Audra.

Although I write that tongue-in-cheek, the truth is, it hurts to be left out, or relegated to a role that doesn’t fit you; whatever age you are.  What I love about God’s Kingdom here on earth is that everybody gets to play!  And we get to play a part specifically designed for us.

Each of us is called to serve God in a wonderfully unique way.  God gives us skills and talents at birth, and then calls us into service.  Once we say “yes,” God fine-tunes our skills and increases them according to our faithfulness in using them.  Yet many Christians never fully discover their gifts. 

When that happens, there’s nothing more frustrating than an under-used Christian.  I wonder what would happen if every believer were serving God according to his or her gifts and talents – and not based on where there’s a vacancy in children’s ministry or on a committee.

My challenge is to discover my God-given gifts and talents and surrender them to God and His purposes.  If my gift is teaching, then I need to be somewhere I can teach.   If I have financials skill, then I should be working with money.  If I love to pray for the sick, then I should be praying for the sick.  It would be nice if someone identified my skills and asked me to serve accordingly, but the responsibility for using my gifts ultimately falls to me.

Although my days of the Big Valley and playing Nick are past, I’ll never forget feeling out of place, and longing to play another role.  God’s Kingdom is big enough for each of us to fulfill the calling God has for us.  We need to say “no” when someone asks us to play “Nick” and we need to pursue opportunities to play our own brand of “Audra.”

In His Love,

Glynnis

Recently I took a quick trip to California with a friend. We had a wonderful time and I did something that I didn’t’ do in the past; I prayed for the trip to go well in every little part. Often we forget to bring God on vacation with us; I know I do many times.

We were taking a day trip to Disneyland. I’ve never done anything like that before and thought it might be fun. But I started stressing because this was something totally impulsive and fun that surely things would go wrong. We had planes and transportation connections that could fall apart. The weather could be awful. So I realized that I needed to pray against those things and that we would have a fun and relaxing day. And guess what, there were a couple of tight moments, but we made flights and transportations. We got to do all the things in the parks we really wanted to do and had a wonderful time!

Today I was listening to the podcast of John Eldredge and Ransomed Heart that he talked about a vacation where their rental car and money were stolen but they had prayed ahead of time and after the incident and had a wonderful vacation because with God’s help they didn’t let those things ruin the trip. He went on to explain that many times we think vacation is a break from everything including God and the enemy’s attacks. But actually what a great thing for the enemy if your rest time is all messed up? So he likes to start praying a couple weeks ahead of time for all the aspects of the trip – planes, cars, weather, relationships, etc. So as we head out on our summer vacations remember to ask God to join you on that vacation. And even if everything doesn’t go “perfect” God can still create a great vacation.

Blessings,

Susan

Is life hectic?  Do you need to laugh? Would you like to spend some time with other women and just relax?

Well, “Girls’ Night Out 2009” is right around the corner on Friday, July 10th.  Our theme is “Friday Night Live” and the program is similar to a variety show. (This year has a Hawaiian theme.)

Girls’ Night Out is a multi-generational event designed as a safe place to invite “pre-Christians.”  If you are looking for an event for that family member who thinks Christians are fuddy-duddies, this is it!  We will laugh, talk, have snacks, and be entertained by others using the gifts and abilities God has given them.

I hope you will take this opportunity to with invite and sit with your small group… or to invite your friends, family and co-workers for a non-threatening night out of clean fun.

Bless you Big.

Here are the basics: July 10^th from 7p.m. until 9p.m.

Wear Hawaiian attire.  (No bathing suits please)

$3 in advance or $5 at the door

Cost covers snacks and supplies.  J

Hope to see you there!

Thora

“For You, O Lord, are my Lamp; the Lord lightens my darkness“
(II Samuel 22:29, AMP)

This week I was reminded that when things are difficult and don’t look like they are going our way, that’s when it’s the easiest to lose our joy and vision. It’s easy to believe that things will never get any better. But during those challenging seasons in life, we have to learn to do just the opposite. Right in the midst of the adversity, that’s the time–more than ever–to expect a flood of His favor; a flood of healing, a flood of protection. Our attitude should be, “It may be dark, but I know the God of the breakthrough is about to turn things around!” Even when we can’t see anything changing or we don’t really feel better about our situation, we must believe that God is at work in our life and He is not finished with us yet!

Do you ever feel as if your stuck and you are not growing in your Christian walk? Do you believe that God is doing a great work in you even if you don’t feel it at times? We would love to hear about it!

Love Eva

Currently, one of my favorite shows is Overhaulin’ on the Discovery channel.

I love this show! “The owner gets tricked; while the car gets tricked out.” They ‘steal’ someone’s car, overhaul it in seven days and return it to the unsuspecting (but at this point distraught) owner. Along the way they have ‘insiders’ who are people (family and friends) who know the truth about what is happening and are in on it (some of them even help out). They have an amazing team that deconstructs the car, replaces engines, transmissions, sheet metal, stereos, etc, and then gives an amazing paint job. Oh, yeah, and they work around the clock to get it done. My favorite part is the happy ending.

These cars have value to the owner even if it is junk when it is ‘stolen’ from them. They were inherited from parents, or received from a brother who shipped out, or where a husband proposed to his wife or maybe it’s just their only form of transportation. They think it’s been taken from them, and they are really sad to think they will never see it again. There are tears, hostility and regret on those faces.

When they find out what was really going on…you should see those faces! They are reunited with their car, their piece of the past, their last gift from their dad. Of course they love the improvements! It’s what they would have done themselves (probably) if they had 40 years of automotive experience and a team of the best. But the emotion at receiving this incredible gift; they are so grateful. They can’t believe that all this was done for them. They feel so undeserving.

Okay, raise your hand if you know where I’m going with this. (how many of you raised your hand?)
Someday we will be overhauled. We will receive new bodies, be reunited with loved ones who have gone before, and all because Someone is working 24/7 to make sure it happens. He has amassed a team of experts, and some amateurs, to prepare us. This is an incredible gift for which we are grateful, and I know that I, for one, feel very undeserving.

We get to participate in God’s Overhaulin’ by being insiders. We can be the one’s that help people find out about this incredible opportunity. That make that connection between someone who doesn’t know and Jesus who is just waiting to give them this amazing gift.

I want to be an insider. Don’t we all?

Oh, give me a chance I could probably find a biblical analogy for Deadliest Catch. Wait! I know –

Peace!

Barb

Do you ever catch yourself pondering the question of “why”?  Not “why me?” or “why then?” or “why Uncle Freddy?” but just “why” – the reason behind certain things.

I do.  I wonder why sometimes God doesn’t seem to answer my prayers; why people I love – good people – get sick and can’t seem to get better; why my husband and I work so hard, yet it feels like we can never get ahead.

Why?

I do believe that “all things work together for good to them that love God” (Romans 8:28) and that His ways are higher than mine (Isaiah 55:9).  I find great comfort in those principles.

Yet the relentless question won’t let me be…  Why?

Seems that as I get older and as times get tougher, the question will continue to trouble me ceaselessly.  But last week the Lord sent me a simple but meaningful message: A shinny silver lining (sort of) in the form of a gray pit bull.

I am referring to my beloved dog, Roko.  You see, Roko is a highly intelligent dog.  (He chases his own tail and likes to sniff other dog’s butts, but – trust me – he is very smart.)  However, every time we turn on the bathroom light, Roko goes nuts, chasing the shadows projected on the wall and yowling pitifully, “Ouuuuuuu!” as he wrestles with the ever-elusive shadows he will never catch.

It is so painful to hear my doggie wail like that, the other night I wanted to grab him by the collar and drag his face to the light switch, and turn it on and off, to make him understand – somehow – what was really going on.  But the effort would’ve been futile, because he’ll never understand.

Just like me, at times.

Author Marybeth Whalen said, “As we move through these uncertain times, it’s normal to question many things. Some of us might be questioning God right now – wondering where He is in all of this and whether He cares enough to intervene? Our questions can lead us away from God, or they can turn us closer to Him as we seek His will.”

I guess my questions and doubts are not so bad after all.  God can even use them to draw me closer to Him!  The trick, I guess, lays in trust.  To trust that, even though I might never understand certain things, I can still rest in His never-ending care. 

I get that.

How do you settle the question of “why”?

When my sister Paula lived out of state, I loved to stay at her home.  Not only was it great to be with family, but Paula’s home invited me to rest and her thoughtful touches showed her love for me.   I was always blessed by staying at her home.

As the summer travel season approaches, we have the opportunity to bless our overnight guests with small gestures that show we care. 

In II Kings, chapter four, we read about a woman in the town of Shunem who went out of her way to create a welcoming guest room for Elisha, a prophet of God.  She made up a space on her roof (I’m guessing it was flat) and put a bed, table, chair and lamp for Elisha to use whenever he traveled to Shunem.  The Shunemite woman’s hospitality meant so much to Elisha that he asked God to give her a child, and God fulfilled that request.

We may not all have the luxury of a private room for our guests, but we can see to their comfort and offer some pampering as well.   I know from the experience of being a guest, how hospitality can convey God’s love in a personal way.

When preparing a place for your guests, try and anticipate their needs.  Some guest room niceties include an alarm clock, a lamp, a Bible, a devotion book, light reading materials like magazines, extra blankets or pillows, a fan, room to hang clothes with hangers, and a place to set a suitcase.

When I have guests I like to prepare a basket of lotions, hair products and other toiletry items.  I place this in the bathroom with a note inviting my guests to please use the items.

Another idea is to place pre-packaged snacks and candies in a basket, and put the basket in the guest area.  Often travelers might like a snack late at night, but don’t want to ask the hosts.

In your kitchen you might consider creating a drink center on a pretty tray.  Include mugs, spoons, instant coffee, tea, hot chocolate, cream and sugar.  Place the tray near a microwave or the stove.  Stock your fridge with cold drinks and invite your guests to help themselves.  I love it when someone remembers I like Diet Coke!

Our homes can become a ministry tool as we take the time to plan for the comfort of our guests.  As they experience our love for them, let it be our prayer that they are drawn to the Creator of Love – God. 

As you prepare for this summer season, begin to pray for the guests who will visit your home.  Pray that their hearts will be open to receive all that God has for them.

In His Love,

Glynnis

The other day I was talking with some Christian friends and they were concerned about all the things happening with the economy, politics, etc. One friend was even considering purchasing a gun since she was afraid of what might happen. I said something about our God being bigger than our government and any problems in economy. It was like a big light bulb went on for her. I know she knew God and what He is capable of but with all the news media and different sources telling us how bad things are it’s really easy to forget that God is really still in charge and He knows what’s going to happen.

Our job is to listen to Him instead of all the media. One scripture that helps me when I get so entrenched in the world’s happenings and my focus gets off God is John 16:33b which says, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart I have overcome the world.” He doesn’t say we will have no trouble but that he is bigger and more powerful than the things of this world. He’s large and in charge. I love that saying.

Another thing that helps take the focus off of me and my fears is to find ways to help others like Tom talked about this past weekend in his message. Finding what God gave you a heart for and pursuing that in whatever way you are able at this time is a great way to take the focus off all the bad things going on and become part of the solution. There are so many great organizations, causes and ways to help; just ask God to reveal to you how you are to help Him in this world and He will show you.

The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace. Psalm 29:11 NIV

Blessings,

Susan

85% of those who give their lives to Christ do so as a child.

I recently heard Wes Stafford, leader of Compassion International, speak at our National Vineyard Pastor’s conference. He told us of the challenge to courageous leadership and about speaking up for those who cannot speak up for themselves…like children. Think about just this one thing…. even the womb is one dangerous place these days.

Half of the world’s population is made up of children.

Children around the globe are facing things like hunger, child prostitution, etc. Wes told us about growing up poor in Africa and how those he knew who were poor shared everything they had. The poor can always give love, joy and hope.

Well, what can we do here where we live? One thing we can do is to take “just a minute.” It takes “just a minute” to destroy the life of a child. (with abuse, abusive words, etc.) It can also take “just a minute” to launch the life of a child—to speak words of life to them. Think of people who have spoken into your life. Think of those who made a difference. What did they do? What did they say?

Now think of people whose lives you can “speak life” into. What can you do? What can you say? Who can you encourage? Purpose with me to speak words of life into those around you—especially the children in your life. Take “just a minute.”

Blessings,

Thora

Maybe some of you would like to share a significant way someone spoke words of life to you that made a difference in your life