Women's Ministry

Think about such things

2010-03-24T15:59:00.000-07:00

I am re reading a book called the 4:8 principle by Tommy Newberry it is an easy read and really when taken apart you already know everything it is saying but it is something that I should probably re read every year! It is based on Philippians 4:8 which reads:

Philippians 4:8 (New International Version)

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

And that is the premise of the book, how to keep your eyes on things that are praiseworthy and not concentrate on the negative which is something my brain seems able to find very easily!

At this time in my life we have been facing many challenges and are facing new ones now and there is one new one that could really trigger my worry "gene" as a mom and I need to keep God in my sight very clearly and know his word and his promises to me and to my beautiful son.

It is so easy to get overwhelmed and miss the forest for the trees. It seems easier when you are helping a friend with a problem to see the solution or to look at the "big" picture for them and see how everything will be alright but when we are in the middle of it ourselves the problem can seem so huge that is clouds our vision. But when we step closer to God and get quiet things clear, you may not see the solution or have an aha moment but I always find a peace knowing he is with me and at the end of the day all will be well at least with my soul if I keep walking forward with his guidance.

OK that was a little preachy sorry it was meant for me and you got to listen in :-) the point is this is a good book for how to stay positive in life's storms and also just in our day to day! It is a much better way to experience all of life!

Amazing Prayer

2010-01-21T16:09:00.000-08:00

From the book Across All Worlds:

Father, in the freedom of your endless love and in the safety of your embrace, I acknowledge to you that something happens to me and I get lost in the darkness. Instead of living in your joy, I get crippled inside. I change. Instead of receiving your love, my soul is disturbed. I become needy. I shut down and withdraw. I become self-centered, angry and frustrated. In my pain I hurt those I love. I waste time and life. I am embarrassed. I am scared to look at myself. Forgive me for blaming others for my problems. Speak to my soul, Father. Tell me again that there is more to me than I know. Help me believe that my existence, my life, my future is part of yours. Help me see that facing my life and my hurt means liberation and fullness, not death. Jesus, give me your eyes. Help me to see myself as you do. Holy Spirit, bear witness to my soul that I belong to Jesus and his Father forever. Show me where and when and how I am not receiving Jesus' Father's love. Show me how my fear is attached to people and places, events and smells and things. Transform the triggers and associations of evil into sacraments of Father's love. Forgive me for what I have done and said, and for what I have not done and not said to your children.

Read this book people! Seriously the whole book is this amazing!

The Shack

2008-03-05T17:07:00.001-08:00

I just finished an amazing book called The Shack. If you are looking for a life changing book I would highly recommend this one! I just read it in 2 days, I couldn't put it down (it helped that I am very sick and could not get out of bed :-) I know "life changing" sounds very drama, but it is actually a really good description.

I am not sure how to write about this book, it gives you an amazing picture of Gods love and his desire for a relationship with each of us. It also shows you the freedom we are meant to have through our relationship with Jesus, and how that relationship can free us from so much of the baggage we are carrying that we were never meant to hold on to. Honestly there is so much to say about this book! I am going to start a second pass through it tonight more slowly this time, the first time I just could not put it down. There are so many ideas that just blew me away and gave me much to think about. I am sure I will be blogging on this book again in the weeks to come, because I did not do it justice this time! But I wanted to spread the word! There is a website about it and if you want to order it, it is available at amazon.com and everywhere I think. Here is a link to the website enjoy!

Michele

http://theshackbook.com/index.html

Survey

2008-02-21T21:00:00.000-08:00

Women’s Career Life Group is thinking of ways to re-design or re-format our life group to better meet the needs of women who work outside the home. We need your suggestions so we have a better idea of what you need and what would help you become more involved. We would like to see the women’s career life group expand but to do so we need your help. We appreciate your help in helping us figure this out J

Do you currently participate in the OLF Women's Career Life Group?
If yes, what activities do you enjoy?

If you do not participate, why not?

If you do not participate in the Women's Career Life Group, are there factors that would cause or encourage you to participate?

What format would you like to see the Life Group take e.g. weekly/bi-weekly/monthly personal meetings; Bible study; continue as online book club; weekly or biweekly activities which would include spiritual discussions e.g. cooking classes, decorating classes, dinner out, scrap booking & card making, etc.?

What would you like to get out of your participation in this Life Group?

Do you believe this Life Group should focus on specific areas e.g. work-life balance, marriage, parenting, career growth & success, general spiritual growth, etc.

What suggestions do you have for improvement of the Women's Career Life Group?

Tell us about yourself –
Single; single with children; married no children; married with children; divorced; divorced with children; single but in relationship; other, that we did not think of

If you have questions, or would like to make other suggestions, feel free to contact:

Michelle Huff, at m@huffcc.com, or 913-764-2567
Kori Carew, at carew@bscr-law.com, or 913-254-9793
Michelle Thomsen, at mthomsen396@yahoo.com, or 913-721-3135
Debi Winchel, at debo_win@yahoo.com, or 913-397-6298

Thanks guys for your help :)

God Loves Everyone!

2007-12-21T20:26:00.000-08:00

We went to Topeka Kansas 2 Saturdays ago to rally against the evil that prevails there. Fred Phelps and his cult like family are spreading an evil message and I am very proud to be part of a church with the courage to stand up against it.

I must say that this day was one of the best days of my life! The feelings coming from the thousands of people who drove by us that day were absolutely amazing! It was heart changing, I know that sounds extreme but that is honestly the truth. People stopped and got out of their cars in the freezing cold to hug us and even bring us hot chocolate! There was so much love in that place.

I am so proud to be a part of Olathe Life Fellowship! I just know that our church is going to make a difference in this world!

Prayer

2007-12-20T20:50:00.000-08:00

This is how I feel lately when I pray, like a child. I am reading an awesome book on prayer by Phillip Yancy called Prayer and I must admit my prayer life has just been getting better and better as I keep my time with God more in the "to do" column than I had been for awhile. Not that I didn't pray, it is just that honestly I didn't do it on purpose, if that makes sense. Like spending time with my husband or my boys.

But even more than the changes that my consistency have had on how I feel during my prayer time, the decision we have been trying to reach about adopting a baby from Ethiopia has had huge impact. Which is why I feel like a child, it is at these times in life when making such important decisions or going through hard times that I always drawn closer to God, it has always been that way in my life and I think some of that is normal, but this time I am seeing it clearer and it makes me sad that when I want guidance I am more faithful in my prayer time and when I feel like I am doing just fine on my own I still pray but it is more like something I am supposed to do it and it should be like why I spend time with my husband and boys because I love them.

Chapter 10 Surrendering Your Daily Life To God

2007-11-14T20:20:00.001-08:00

1. Does Surrendering to God frighten or excite you?

2. How do you feel about this general concept? God owns all creation, including you and me. Our lives are simply on loan to us. We are stewards of what is on loan to us.

3. Describe some modern day idols that seem alluring to you. (Idols include anything that takes a higher priority than God in your life - anything you hold tightly in your fist.)
What are some ways to overcome such idolatry?

4. Read the story of the angel Gabriel's visit with Mary in Luke 1:26-38 (see page 179) Discuss any insights and applications about surrender that you gain from this scripture passage.

5. Why do you think it is important to surrender what you dream of doing for God?

6. How does the spiritual practice of surrender prepare you for your future assignments from God?

7. In what way is waving a white flag of surrender to God a victory?

8. When did you first realize that surrender was a distinct, tangible, assigned purpose for today? What impact does that realization have on you?

9. Talk about a time when you or someone you know surrendered something to God and then had the Magnificent Counselor guide his or her next steps.

10. Would you still love God and follow him if he actually took everything that you surrendered to him?

11. Which of the following action steps would you like to take this week (pages 175-177)? Why?

Seek the truth
Do your footwork and homework
Count the cost
Think with the mind of Christ
Publicly give up control of your will
Prayerfully begin
Take a "one-day surrender challenge"

Chapter 9 Expect The Desires of Your Heart

2007-11-14T20:01:00.000-08:00

We are going to try something different for the last few chapters. I am going to post the questions from the group discussion guide for everyone to ponder and comment on. We are hopeful this will make it easier for everyone to comment and feel a part of the conversation. It seems like is always easier to answer a question atleast for me :-)

1. What is your understanding of the meaning of Psalm 37:4? Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. Read the context of David's' words in Psalm 37: 1-6.

2. In what way do you struggle with any of these feelings?

I don't deserve to receive the extravagant reward of living passionately.
Passions are one of Satan's traps to coach me into wanting secular rewards.

3. What is your overarching view of God: Intimidating ruler of the universe? Righteous judge?Powerful king? Abba/Pappa? Other? How does your view of God help of hinder your ability to live with healthy passions?

4. What response would you give to someone who asked you these questions:

Why would God allow me, a serious sinner, to do what I love doing?
What if God doesn't approve of my deepest, healthy desires?

5. How do healthy passions help protect you against addictions?

6. What do you believe is the connection between a woman's healthy passions and God's purposes in her life? Discuss on of your passions and any connections you see to God's purposes for you.

7. Which of the following action steps would you like to take this week (pages 158-160)? Why?

Use some basic hints from chapter nine to get started
Guard against jealousy of others
Daydream
Go for it - experiment

Go the Extra Mile! (chapters 7 &8)

2007-10-28T12:06:00.002-07:00

Chapter 7: "Wash One Another's Feet"

I have to admit, I'm already having a difficult time trying to compose my thoughts on this chapter. When I read the title I thought, "Lord, Puh-LEEZE help me get through this! You know I don't even like feet!" Now, I knew it wasn't going to be a literal take on the chapter's title, so the fact that I already thought in the negative caused me to pause. What's the big deal? Why did I automatically assume this was going to be something I didn't need - no, WANT - to do?!

When the author says, "Sometimes God asks us to serve in an assignment that is way outside our comfort zone or area of giftedness. He may do this to stretch our faith or to teach us a valuable lesson." This spoke to me. This year I've been serving in Kids' Life. As Michelle T. will tell you, this "service" has been pretty difficult for me. I like kids, I have a kid - how friggin' hard can this be? Hard, let me tell you. And each time my Sunday came 'round, I felt like calling in sick. I believe the Lord asked me to serve in Kids' Life to teach me the lesson of selflessness. See, in every other church I've belonged to I've always been involved in the music ministry. Always. That's what I do; I'm a singer. It's easy for me to get up in front of people, open my pipes, and blow. This time, however, it was different. God made joining the Music Ministry more challenging and, instead, called me to do something completely NOT easy or comfortable for me. So, on the Sundays I serve the wonderful children of OLF (and I believe my service is to the children more than their parents), my prayer each time is that I see the face of Christ in every child, and that they see the Christ in me. My prayer is to be as loving, gentle, and generous of spirit as He is. In listening to God's will and accepting this service, I've grown and have come to see outside myself and what makes me feel good, to being accutely aware of the needs, wants, and desires of all the beautiful children in my class. By listening to God, I've been immensely blessed to hold some amazing little babies.

Chapter 8: "Walk With Integrity"

Last night when I was talking to Kori, we both remarked that this book really has nothing new to offer. "Fellowship, Discipleship, Ministry, Worship, Evangelism" - all are components of Christianity that new Christians learn, and "seasoned" Christians take for granted.... and herein lies the rub. We "seasoned" Christians take for granted the elements involved in streghthening our relationship with Christ and forget that we need to practice them as much as anyone else. This chapter revealed this to me by smackin' me upside the head!

I know all about integrity - doing the right thing, at the right time, the right way. Let's go back to the previous chapter's blog when I talked about always being in some kind of music ministry. This current chapter forced me to ask "why?" Why did I always do the music ministry instead of outreach or youth ministry or administrative services? It's then that I realized it was because that's what I wanted to do. I never asked the Lord where I should serve; I just did what I wanted to do. I like to sing - not for the attention, mind you - but just because I simply love to sing. In all these years of music ministry, my reason for praise got lost in my need to just hear myself - does anyone know what I'm talkin' about out there?! I did what I wanted to do and called it "God's will"! Talk about a 'God Complex'!! My integrity was compromised as soon as I assumed God's will was the same as mine, instead praying "Thy will be done."

So now, I'm grateful for the reality check of this chapter. Thankful for the smack upside the head that's caused me to look at my behaviors and motives, and has convicted me to be full of integrity instead of just full of it.

Part 3 - Follow in Jesus' Footsteps

2007-10-27T10:24:00.000-07:00

Wow! Like Monique I have had a hectic/hard week....so to speak. I am so late in posting this - please forgive me.

Chapter 5 - Pursue Peace
Reading this chapter came at a difficult time for me. Work has been extremely challenging the last few months and a situation I was not expecting turned ugly right when I was reading this chapter. I had been mulling the challenge of "loving others as Jesus loves me" from the previous chapters. So now on to peace. When you begin reading the chapter, Katie sounds elementary. Okay, pursue peace....why wouldn't you? I mean, hello? But as you dig deeper into the chapter, the peace she describes is a bit different than what first came to mind. Because of the struggle I was going through at work with a junior associate, my mind immediately went to "absence of conflict." Do you feel like Katie's friend Danielle who was caught up in the busyness of life which was always demanding "More! Faster! Bigger! Better!"? Or have you been struggling to find your unique purpose by figuring out what great gift God has given you like Katie's friend Becky?

Perhaps the most important thing to get from this chapter, having started at a place of wanting to know oh so badly our purpose, is to peacefully appreciate the tasks we do here and now, and not feel so driven to figure out the long range plan. Praying throughout the day has become more and more a part of my life over the years. And it has made a whole lot of difference. When you are sitting in your office talking to God while you work and as you mull decisions you must make, you have a sense of peace and calmness. Katie talks about wanting to learn to listen to God throughout the entire day. I want that as well. I seek it. I am far from where I need to be. I sometimes get in a rush and forget Him. I sometimes shoot off the hip before I have talked to Him about it. And I know this is a practice I need to continue working on. Being able to bring God into the craziness and busyness of your life is so important. My life of busyness comes with other challenges (I'm sure yours do too) and I love it when I remember to listen for Him. The talking to Him is not so hard............it is the listening sometimes that is a challenge.

As I read through the various guides of pursuing peace, I realized how much of my life crowds out these opportunities. For example, practicing silence. For me, I practice silence by waking up and sitting in my bathroom. Doing nothing. I just sit there in the quiet. My husband does not understand it at all. I also like to come downstairs, open the windows in the breakfast room and just sit there looking out of the window into the backyard. There is something about my spirit that just craves those quiet times with no noise, chatter, or TV. But as much as I crave these times, lately it seems like I have no time to practice silence. The pace of my life is stealing away so much from me.

Now stopping the endless mind chatter - that is hard for me. My mind is always racing. Which of the guides do you know you need to work more on? I know shutting up my mind chatter, purposely changing my pace, and avoiding peace killers are three that I need to make a concerted effort to incorporate into my pursuit for peace. Katie ends the chapter talking about Mary and Martha. We all know the story. I grew up in church and have heard the story and teachings and read the story myself multiple times. I understand the principles. But I have always empathized with Martha!!!!!!!!! Someone has to do the cooking, the cleaning, the mending......someone has to work. After all, Jesus was a guest and they had to provide him a meal. So if Martha was out there with Mary, would the meal have miraculously prepared itself? I have always thought Martha has gotten a bad rep out of this deal - she was trying to take care of Jesus' needs in her own way. And oif course Mary was just going to sit there at Jesus' feet, drinking in all the wisdom she could and not help.....but I am sure she would have enjoyed the meal Martha was working hard to prepare. Of course this probably tells you a lot about me - I am a worker. I do. I do, and do, and do, and do. But the truth is, Martha could have invited Jesus into the kitchen while she worked. And cerytainly, she should not have chastised her sister for desiring to be with Jesus. And that should be an attitude I should focus more on as I struggle with my busyness and daily tasks.

Chapter 6 - Repent and Turn away from all your offenses
One of the things I ask from God is that He show my the things that are hidden in my heart. Somtimes I have to chew on what He shows me.....sometimes I try to justify it, I try to explain it away......There are things we know we need to deal with in our lives as stumbling blocks, and then there are others we don't know about and assume are not there. The ones I don't know about are the ones that scare me. I do trust God with my frailties and do frequently reflect on my thoughts and actions. My desire is not to have a block between my relationship with God. My character is important to Him. I am an ambassador and I should reflect His love and grace and kindness. I frequently fail in that regard. Each day starts with a challenge to do better. The key here is not just recognizing where we fail, but making a commitment to change from a place of true sorrow. So ladies, it is the change that marks our true repentance.

This chapter is such a personal chapter that I can only encourage each and every one of us to spend some time in here mullling our stumbling blocks and resolving to deal with them. Pride? Conceit and arrogance? Impatience? Cursing? Lying? GOSSIPING? Manipulating? And the very familiar corporate theft? What forms do these common sins come into your life? How can they be avoided? Thankfully, whatever it is, God can lead us and "handle" our sin. And remember, we won't be perfect. But we keep on trying and working on it. And focus on the flip side of the sin.

As you went through the questions, did you find that there was a particular weakness God was nudging you on? (See Katies No. 5 on personal pathway questions).

Section 2: Chapters 3 & 4

2007-10-12T15:32:00.000-07:00

Chapter 3

I have to be honest. I had a hard week and didn't get to read these chapters as early as I had wanted to. So, when I sat down to read them, I was at work, trying to take a short break to eat lunch and read my chapters. I was feeling frustrated with work and the constant stream of "same-ness". How ironic to read on the very second page that the mundane things of life are the very things that help us serve our purpose! God values today and the gifts He's given us to use today.

I am guilty of being a woman who doesn't know her own unique gifts and how those apply to fulfilling God's purpose. I truly never felt like I had talents. I am so wrong! I do have talents; unique, God-given talents that are just mine! Now I have to discover what they are and how to use them to fulfill God's purpose for my life.

I especially enjoyed reading about how our everyday roles are important. When we go about our routine each day, God is using that to fulfill His purpose! I felt sympathy for Katie and couldn't imagine how it must have felt to lose your job 18 days before Christmas and then to make life ok for the kids and to see how this would turn out for the good. It was refreshing to read that Katie couldn't see how it would work out until later when she looked back on that time.

Katie gave us some steps so we could do what matters today. We have to set our priorities, take care of ourselves, not panic and seize the moment. Are you working on these areas to grow and fulfill God's purpose?

Chapter 4

"...Love each other just as much as I love you. Your strong love for each other will prove to the world that you are my disciples." John 13:34-35

This step was much easier to read for me. I felt like it would be much easier to get through, until I realized how much I don't show love to people. Ouch!

I can be the sassy girl in the store line to the cashier or the impatient driver behind a slow moving vehicle. I truly don't like myself when I am doing these things and I have tried to work on this. Now I understand that I can't do this myself without loving people as Jesus commanded. I also understand that this is something that I will always be challenged by in my life.

Katie tells us that we are to focus on loving as Jesus loves because our love for him will grow. That deepened love for Jesus will lead us to worship and to establish healthy relationships with others. Those relationships will support us during the hard times in life. I have lived this love before and desire to live it again.

When we lived in Tulsa, we were part of a very large Sunday School class that had 50 couples. An average of 40 couples per week came to class every Sunday! That class was so large that we had our own President, Treasurer, Activity Director and Care Committee. Steve and I had been a part of the class for two years when my dad suddenly passed away. I was 5 1/2 months pregnant with Levi (my first child) and we were 13 days from moving into our first home. We had to go home to Phoenix for my dad's funeral. When we came home, that Sunday School class had come to our home and finished all of our packing! They had everything labeled, stacked and organized just as I would have had it! In addition, they drove us to/from the airport, sent cards for months and brought us food. Even now as I type this, I am overwhelmed by the love they showed us.

I want to be the person that is there for others unconditionally and with the love of Jesus! To do this, Katie's steps include: making a loving difference and noticing when you are doing it, get connected at church (sound familiar?), offer forgiveness, develop relational habits and pray for the unloving and unlovable.

I pray that the love of Jesus will shine through me! I will walk spend much time on this step in the weeks to come!

Section 1: Chapters 1 & 2

2007-09-28T22:24:00.000-07:00

Chapter 1

I have to start this post with a confession: I really had a tough time feeling sorry for the author! Before you think I am heartless let me say that I am listening to the audio book as well as reading the book and it is narrated by the author herself so when you hear her talking about how spoiled she was after her divorce and whining about how tough it is to have to go shopping for new clothes because she lost weight! She travels to visit mother Theresa for goodness sake! Who does that? I am showing my green aren't I, but she even describes herself as a "divorced princess" so I guess she assumed we would see it that way too!! OK there I vented, now I can go forward thanks for letting me share :-) !

Then I went back and red the bible verse she starts the book out with at the top of Chapter 1

My life flies by - day after hopeless day. (Job 7:6, TLB)

And I realised any of our lives can feel hopeless irregardless of how much wealth, influence or opportunities we have, it is all relative. It also gave me hope for myself, because if she can go to Calcutta and live with Mother Theresa and still have work to do then there must still be hope for me, and I am not as slow as I feel.

What Katie describes as a "Longing for Purpose" I think is what I really mean when I say I have no talents or purpose. Her way of saying it sounds much nicer! I think I will change what I am claiming with that statement and steal hers for myself. I do feel like I am getting ready to start down a path that will change my feelings about my purpose and the path of my life, and I think this book is going to be a part of that journey.

I love how she can look back on the years she was learning her purpose with such clarity and how she sees each step so clearly in hindsight. The fact that there were years in between them scares me a little but also reminds me how impatient we are, "I want to know my purpose now please". I would rather not go through the years of learning and hurting and growing, thank you very much. I think if God granted my request and gave me all the knowledge I needed right now my head and heart would probably explode, which is why he lovingly doles it out slowly.

The Do-Be-Do philosophy is very applicable for this phase of the journey, I tend to look long term to much and wonder "are we there yet?" and forget that today is such a blessing and a huge step in the path!

Chapter 2

This chapter has gotta suck for a lot of us! I will be completely vulnerable here and say that if I had not already dealt with most of the bricks in my backpack (or at least begun to deal with) I could not have gotten past this step, but I noticed I just said "in my backpack" so apparently they are not completely gone! When she asks us to list 5 things that have caused us grief at the end of the chapter I was a little shocked to realize I have experienced almost all of them, really I am only missing the mark by 1 or 2 and I think one of them I only miss by semantics!!

I love that she uses Psalm 56:8 "You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book." Luckily I decided a long time ago to trust God to use my past for good as she asks us to do, but that does not mean I have healed completely either, I just trust that I will and that God loves me and will use it for good. I deal with my crap when it happens, those of you who know me, know that I cry like I laugh! I am not one to keep things bottled up (well at least the big things :-), but I honestly wish I was better at just unpacking my backpack and leaving the bricks at the feet of Jesus and never picking them up again! I wonder which of the issues I have dealt with in my life God will use to help others, knowing that there are a few which would take a lot more growth on my part before I would be able to help anyone else with them and to be honest being a little scared of that growth. I hope that God will lead me to a place where the things of my past can be used to help others either to keep them from going through them at all, or dealing with them better than I did, or being able to show them an example of God's love and healing.

I heard something recently that really struck a cord within me, the speaker said we are always asking why bad things happen to good people when in this fallen world we should be saying it is amazing and we should thank God everyday that good things happen to good people at all!

We all deal with heart ache and disappointment, it is up to us how we use those events to help others and how to make sure people see God's love for them through us. I love what Katie says " God's pleasure is to make good out of bad. He is your loving and generous Father. He has a way of delicately wrapping all the parts of your life together as a package deal to give you hope and purpose."

Her second question at the end of the chapter makes me cry because I realize how much God loves me! Through all of the grief of my life some imposed on me by others and some self imposed, to God it does not matter, he has used so much of my grief for good in my life, even the fact that he has carried me through some of the events in my life is an amazing act of grace and love in itself. I am a lucky girl! We are all lucky girls! We may have a ways to go on this road or some of you may be further a long the path but we all have a God who will continue to love us no matter how long it takes us to figure out our purpose. That knowledge gives me such hope and a burning desire to give that hope to other women not as lucky as us.

Here we go girls, I think this semester is going to be a great adventure! I think we are going to know a lot more about each other when it is over!

Semester Schedule

2007-09-25T12:28:00.000-07:00

Here it is girls! The schedule for this semester! We will be handing these book marks out on this Sunday the 30th at 7:00pm at the Starbucks on 135th and Blackbob. See you there!

Life Group Rally!!!!

2007-09-24T11:04:00.000-07:00

I wish I had pictures of yesterday!!! Michelle Thomson, Debi Winchell and Kori Baack all sang Kareoke at our table and it ROCKED!!!!!! We had almost 30 women sign up! This is going to be an amazing semester!

We have our first meeting this coming Sunday the 30th at Starbucks on 135th & Blackbob @ 7:00pm. We will go over the schedule and hand out the beautiful book markers that Monique Burkett made for us.

Please try to come if you can it is going to be a great time of fellowship!

Michele

Life Group Rally Coming Up!

2007-09-10T15:51:00.000-07:00

This semesters life group rally was pushed back a few weeks to September 23rd to give everyone more time to get ready for the semester and the rally itself. Our entire church was very focused on the homeless and so life group planning was not a priority, until now!

I am going to have our table up early starting this coming Sunday so everyone can see the book we have chosen and have time to buy it so we will be ready to go!

Here it Is!

2007-08-24T11:06:00.000-07:00

OK Guys we have choosen the book for this semester!! drum roll please......

I had a meeting with 2 of the girls on the team for this semester Michele Thomsen and Debi Winchell to go over the great stuff to come! The other girls on the team this semester are Monique Burkett and Kori Baack. I really believe this is going to be a semester that will benefit all of us in personal growth and community building! We are planning on having the kick off meeting at Starbucks again this semester on September 9th. That day is also the life group rally so you guys have to all come by the table and give support!

New Semester!

2007-07-02T23:34:00.000-07:00

We are getting ready for the Fall semester of life groups, so it is time to research books. What is right for 30 diverse working Christian women? This is a big decision! Luckily I have 3 other fabulous working women to help me with this process! And even better I have a secret weapon! I have a Jana, who is the most well read women I have ever known. She also has a huge heart for the women of our church so with her helping us to narrow down our choices we will surely choose wisely!

I want a book that engages all of us heart and mind. I want a book that brings God to the party, he wants to be involved. These are big goals but worth achieving!

Here we go girls, let's make this semester rock!

Michele

Chapter 12 - Balancing Waiting & Working

2007-05-15T17:15:00.001-07:00

Long before I was a busy mom, I never seemed to mind waiting in lines. I would happily people-watch and just daydream the time away. Somewhere along the way, my world has become much to busy to be waiting. I don't like to wait in long lines and get impatient with "slow-movers" in the fast lane.

This chapter was good for me. We need to be useful while we are waiting. I like Sheila's example of cross-stitching while she listened to the choir because she still has the piece that she made during college. It probably reminds her of that time and to slow down a little. The Bible says that the anticipation deepens the joy when we get what we've waited for. I've always cross-stitched and I really enjoy the feeling of watching the piece come together. It doesn't happen overnight, it takes time and patience for it all to come into being. Sometimes I get so caught up in it that I stay up until 2 or 3 in the morning, just trying to get it done. I love the process so much that I don't mind losing the sleep.

Maybe I will find a way to recapture some of that patience while waiting. I'm going to try to remember that the waiting here on earth is just an inconvenience. The things that matter the most are worth the wait. While I wait, I will try to remember that the Bible tells me to work while I wait for his return. We are not to be idle. There's work to be done!

Chapter 10 - Balancing Unity & Diversity

2007-05-15T16:02:00.000-07:00

In the past, I've found it hard to be unified with people that had different views than me or totally different lifestyles. I either felt inferior next to them or "holier than thou" toward them. Such a shameful thing to admit, but it is true.

One of the greatest things that I did to overcome this and to have this balanced in my life was to participate in a 27 week Bible Study. We studied (and I mean studied) the Bible. That was the first time that I really realized how the different personalities and lifestyles made up one, perfect body of Christ. Each of us play a vital role in God's plan and we cannot all be the same to accomplish this.

Thankfully, as I've gotten older, it has gotten easier and easier for me to relate to someone that has a different view than I do. I have found my group of friends are more diverse and it's been a lot of fun! We don't always have to agree on things, but we are there for each other and to encourage each other. That is what we, as Christians, are called to do: love and support, encourage and pray for each other, serve and accept one another.

Chapter 9 - Balancing Longing and Contentment

2007-04-27T21:12:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you....but there something about the show "Deal or No Deal". I'm actually not a big fan....but if it's on and I'm doing nothing else, I find myself mesmorized by the contestants. I often fantisize about how I would "play" the game. But the truth is....I really have no idea how I would react if I were on the show. I would like to think I would be content with a modest amount of money....but would I long to have the "secret" amount? I don't know....

Finally! A chapter that I think I already "get"!! YEAH!! I have been on so many sides of this subject..... I've learned to be content in a lot of areas.....and I also long for God's perfect plan for my life. I don't think I fully know what that is yet! I certainly do not want to grow complacent and not yearn for something more....it's not my nature. But on the other hand, I'm so incredibly content with my life.....if nothing changed, I would not be disappointed.

I Corinthians 13:12 "Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known."

One of my favorite verses in the Bible... As a teenager, I used to cling to this verse....not knowing how my life would turn out. Interestingly enough, this verse still has the same "wow" for me. God has blessed my life with a wonderful family, wonderful friends, and filled me with joy....yet, I still do not know fully what He has in store for me. That is the longing of my heart.

Chapter 8 - Balancing Wants and Needs

2007-04-15T10:31:00.000-07:00

What's the longest you've had to hunt for that perfect something? How many stores did you have to go through before finding something that suited?

Sometimes it seems that our lists of wants is much longer than our list of needs. How do we avoid falling into this trap of wants? When you find yourself wanting more and more, it is helpful to remember that God provides all of our needs. God knows just what we need, when we need it. He will provide for us. He is Jehovah Jireh!

As a mother, I find this to be true with my children. Some of the things that they must have are not really needs, but are wants. I find myself able to see the bigger picture and knowing what is coming up (a different season, a birthday, Christmas, etc). I am sure that God must feel the same way with my list list of "needs". I find much relief in the fact that God knows what I really need and he will provide it to me and my family.

I am thankful that God is not stingy with His provision. We are called to be generous with our gifts so we can be a blessing to others. Our generosity is a testament of God's love and a witness to those around us. God loves a cheerful giver.

Let's go and be a blessing to the people around us!

Chapter 7 - Balancing Faith and Works

2007-04-11T19:46:00.000-07:00

Which came first faith or works? It's kind of like the chicken and the egg deal..... You really cannot have one without the other. The Bible tells us it is by grace we are saved through faith....we must have faith. The Bible also tells us faith without works is dead. We have to learn to BALANCE both!

Titus 1:16 "They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good."

Did you ever know any one like this? As Christians, we need to be aware of how our actions speak to others. Are we showing a Christ-like attitude? Are we kind? Are we loving? Are we striving for holiness....without being self righteous? Are we humble? Yikes! These are not attributes I always demonstrate......I need to work on these.

Ephesians 2:10....tells us that God created us to do good works. This is why we're here!! Have you ever heard of random acts of kindness? A dear friend reminded me of this selfless act last night. What a way for us to demonstrate our love for the Father!!

With that in mind, I encourage you to show random acts of kindness....to your neighbor, your sister, your friends, your co-workers......the list goes on and on. Let your light so shine that others will see your good works and praise the Lord your God!

Chapter 6 - Balancing Love and Obedience

2007-04-04T16:51:00.000-07:00

What is the strangest thing you were ever dared to do?

I thought this was an interesting question considering the topic for this week. But the more I thought about....it made sense. Don't we often "accept" a dare to prove something? To be accepted? To show love? I am scared to death of heights....seriously. I remember as a teenager, my best friend had pool.....and the garage was about 15 feet from it. You know where this is going.... Yes....we ran off the roof of the garage and jumped into the pool. Did I want to do this? Of course not! But EVERYONE was doing it and I didn't want to look like the chicken I was. Boy....am I glad I've grown out of that stage in life!!

How did God show His love for us? Romans 5:8....He demonstrated His love for us....while we were still sinners.....He died for us! God tells us that we are to show our love for Him by keeping His commandments....by loving Him (I John 5:3).

Love and Obedience truly go hand in hand. Because I love the Lord, I want to keep His commandments......I want to be obedient. Isn't it interesting.....when we truly love God and are seeking after Him, sin doesn't sound "fun" anymore.

There was a song I used to sing as a child in Sunday School.....I couldn't help but sing it as I wrote this. O-B-E-D-I-E-N-C-E......Obedience is the very best way to show that you believe. Isn't it the truth?

Girls' Night Out! Save the Date!!

2007-04-04T14:26:00.000-07:00

WCL
End of Semester Night Out
Wednesday
May 16th

CHEESEBURGER IN PARADISE
LEGENDS/VILLAGE WEST
6:00PM

Join us for:
DINNER
“GOODIE BAG EXCHANGE”
then….. maybe shopping!!!!

Chapter 5 - Balancing Faith and Sight

2007-03-24T18:12:00.000-07:00

The story at the beginning of the chapter is one I've never heard before. How would you feel being in a completely dark restaurant, not seeing the menu or the food laid out before you? It seems to me that once I got over the initial fear, the food might taste and smell better because those senses would take over. I might try things I never would have if I had seen the food first. How do you think you would do in that restaurant?

Our faith in God is similar to the people dining in the restaurant. Have you ever had to really use your faith to believe that our God is there? Does it help to realize that the creation around us was given to us by God to solidify our faith in Him? God gave us all of these things so we would be encouraged to believe in the things we cannot see. Isn't it great to know that God knew we would need these things?! It makes me glad to know that when I have doubted the existence of God, He already had a plan to encourage my faith. When I look back on the times I doubted God's existence, it was always nature that made me realize how real God was. Have you doubted God's existence? What helped you to overcome that doubt?

2 Corinthians 5:7 "We walk by faith, not by sight."

Goodie Bags!!

2007-03-20T07:34:00.000-07:00

For those of you new to WCL, you are probably wondering, what the heck is a goodie bag? For those veterans, you know exactly what it is!! A goodie bag is a bag filled with wonderful girly surprises!! It is a bag that is carefully and joyfully filled for other women! It is a bag that WCL women receive on the last night of the semester (GNO). After two years of doing the goodie bags and the fact that WCL is now nearly 30 women, Monique and I are unable to financially support it ourselves. However....I've come up with a solution!

For those attending the last event, you can participate in the goodie bag exchange. This is purely a fun, voluntary exchange! Each participant needs to fill a goodie bag to "exchange" with another member of WCL. This will be fun as all of the bags will be different!

Here are the "rules"

1. Be creative
2. Be generous
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2!!

hahahah....ok, seriously

1. Be creative
2. Be generous
3. Spend $20 (that way, there is consistency)
4. Quantity & quality count
5. Buy things you would love to receive

Here are ideas of items from previous goodie bags:

Body butter, candles, dark chocolate, lip gloss, personalized note pads, pretty pens, lotion, Starbucks gift cards, sachets, I can't remember everything.....

Questions? If you wish to participate, just come to the last event with goodie bag in hand!!

Chapter 4 - Balancing Work and Rest

2007-03-18T18:53:00.000-07:00

Do you remember the story of the ant and the grasshopper? I remember that one as a child...but I do not believe I really understood this story until I got a little older. See.....I would be the ant. And as the ant, I would be frustrated at the grasshopper. I would be a little bitter (yes, bitter!) that I was working while the grasshopper played. I don't know when it happened....but sometime between being a fun loving girl....I got married, had children...and a career....suddenly.....I'm the ant. Boy, I wish somedays I could be the grasshopper....

Psalm 55:6 - I said, "Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest."

*If you could indulge in a lazy day, without any responsibilities, what would you most like to do?

I thought about that one.....there are so many things that I thought of. I finally settled on one...I would lay on a beach and read a book! That is my most favorite thing in the world to do! And most importantly, it gives me peace...it gives me rest. What would you do?

This chapter made me realize the important of rest....it doesn't mean I'm lazy if it's balanced. That's hard for me....I always feel like something needs to be done. I'm going to work harder on this one.

Chapter 3 - Balancing Schedules and Interruptions

2007-03-11T16:33:00.000-07:00

I don't believe it is a coincidence that I am to post on this chapter. I really don't handle interruptions well. It was great to read God's thoughts on this.

God's plan for our lives is not always the plan that we have so carefully laid out. He determines our path and the steps we will take to fulfill His purpose. I am going to hold onto this thought and remember it the next time I am "inconvenienced". Perhaps I will remember that everything is not all about me and my schedule.

I loved reading the passage in Jeremiah 10:23 that says our life is not ours to direct. Wow! Isn't it easy to think we are the Director, Producer and the star?

I am going to keep Paul's prayer and the prayer from Psalm close to my heart: May the Lord direct my heart into God's love and perseverance. -and- Direct my footsteps according to God's word and let sin not rule over me.

I am anxious to hear if any of you get frustrated when you are inconvenienced. Does anyone else struggle with this?

Chapter 2 - Balancing Time and Responsibilities

2007-03-01T19:31:00.000-08:00

Ahhh....responsibility..... I like the example of wanting a puppy. I wanted a puppy so badly when I was in grade school. We already had two dogs....but they were older and I had never had a "puppy". I asked and asked....and then my sweet father (who was a sucker for dogs) finally let me get my girl. Her name was BJ....she was a beautiful Norweigan Elkhound. Boy, did she make noise at night, though!! BJ was my baby....I took care of her and, at times, was frustrated that I had to because there were other things I would rather be doing! (Funny how a child thinks feeding and giving fresh water to the dog takes all day!) I did learn responsibility. BJ was a great pet.....she passed away 15 years ago this month.

**Did you ever want something so badly as a child and told you weren't ready....or old enough?

This chapter was great for me. I am the queen of "yes". Yes....I'll do that. Sure....I'll be the team accountant. You need cookies? I'll bake them! Then...I find myself completely stressed and, well, unbalanced. I've had to learn to start saying no....that's hard to do....but so necessary.

**When others tell you no....do you respect their right for balance? (For ministry...this is a hard one!)

We need to find that perfect balance.... Our life demands, especially working women, can wear us out.... We have to learn to respect our time....and when we're out of balance, go to he Lord for refreshment.

Chapter 1 - The Juggling Act

2007-02-22T19:06:00.000-08:00

In the margin on the first page of this chapter, the question is asked: "If you could run away and join the circus, what part would you want to take in the show?"

I thought about this question for a second and my first response was "Trapeze Artist". It's kind of a funny response from me; I don't even like heights. Soaring above the crowd and making it look so effortless is part of the appeal to me. As I read through the chapter, my answer seemed to make sense. In all parts of the circus, each person is making their role seem effortless and uncomplicated. I felt that this was familiar to me because I try not to get overwhelmed or seem like everything I do is full of effort. Of course, I fail to do this and I easily get overwhelmed. I usually just have to "vent" and then I'm ok to deal with whatever it was that overwhelmed me in the first place.

I know that as working women, we are all juggling different balls and wearing different hats. It's no wonder we end our days by collapsing into bed exhausted! We worry about our children, our bills, our work, our families, our friends. The list is individual to each of us, but I'm sure it's long no matter who we are. Isn't it great to know that God left a message for us? He tells us in Luke 12:22-23 to not worry; there is more to life.

When we remain focused on God, all things fall into the correct perspective and we will bear fruit. In the Ponder & Pray section, we are asked to consider what our physical and spiritual needs are and what happens when one of them is given the greater balance. If we are truly abiding in God, how would this look in each of our lives? I believe in my life, I would have greater patience, understanding and gentleness. I am so thankful that God does not keep score and that we are forgiven when we ask for His forgivenes.

Keep this Trinket in your heart: When we've dropped the ball, do not despair. Balance takes practice and our spiritual balance is more important. It requires a sound heart, a dependence on Jesus and fruitful lives.

Starbucks Night

2007-02-22T08:37:00.000-08:00

Join us for coffee at Starbucks on Sunday, April 1st at 7pm.

We will meet at the Starbucks at 135th & Blackbob!

Living a Life of Balance - Reading Schedule

2007-02-22T08:25:00.000-08:00

Week of...

February 18th
Chapter 1 – The Juggling Act

February 25th
Chapter 2 – Balancing Time & Responsibilities

March 3rd
Chapter 3 – Balancing Schedules & Interruptions

March 10th
Chapter 4 – Balancing Work & Rest

March 18th
Chapter 5 – Balancing Faith & Sight

March 25th
Chapter 6 – Balancing Love & Obedience

April 1st
Chapter 7 – Balancing Faith & Works

April 8th
Chapter 8 – Balancing Wants & Needs

April 15th
Chapter 9 – Balancing Longing & Contentment

April 22nd
Chapter 10 – Balancing Unity & Diversity

April 29th
Chapter 11 – Balancing Our Wishes & God’s Will

May 6th
Chapter 12 – Balancing Working & Waiting

A Tea

2007-02-17T14:55:00.000-08:00

Join us for tea....

Saturday, February 17th
Church office
9:00 am to 11:00 am

What should you bring?

Your favorite china cup and saucer or something to drink out of
Be creative, it will be worth it!

Your favorite muffin, scone, cookies or something yummy to share

Living a Life of Balance

2007-02-17T14:30:00.000-08:00

Do you long for a life of balance?

"When we consider the life of Jesus and the example He left us, would you say He was balanced? You will remeber He sometimes moved away from the clamoring needs of the crowd so that He might be alone; that meant many needs went unment. God means for you to live in equilibrium and balance." --Marilyn Meberg

Join us as we consider the balance of our own life!!

Chapter 9

2006-10-30T19:01:00.000-08:00

Less-Wild Lovers

Do you remember your first boyfriend? I would imagine you were crazy in love....and then a few weeks later not so much. It doesn't matter, though. The first love always has that "thing" about it. The same is true of God. When we first knew God...we were crazy in love. It was very new and exciting. At some point, we became satisfied with complacency. ...with Less-Wild Lovers.

Do you anesthetize your heart? Or are you indulgent? How do you deal with the Less-Wild Lover?

"At some point on our Christian journey, we all stand at the edge of those geographies where our heart has been satisfied with Less-Wild Lovers, whether they be those of competence and order or those of indulgence. If we listen to our heart again, perhaps for the first time in a while, it tells us how weary it is of the familiar and the indulgent."

Are you listening?

Ladies' Night Out - November 17th

2006-10-25T09:11:00.000-07:00

Ladies' Night Out will be on Friday, November 17th at Bravo Cucina Italiana. For all those who RSVP'd, I'm looking forward to seeing you that evening! It should be a fun time of fellowship and all around craziness!

Chapter 8

2006-10-23T11:47:00.000-07:00

Legends of the Fall

We are the daughters of God and we are pursued by God. God wants to win our heart through love, not power. On the other hand, Satan is also pursuing us. Satan's purpose is to keep us from experiencing the wonder and awesome-ness of God's love. He will use any means he can. Satan will use our story against us, he will place voices and thoughts in our minds that create doubt and/or self-reliance instead of relying on God. There is a full-out battle for our souls raging in the spiritual realm that began in the Garden of Eden.

We are Cinderella, God is the Prince and Satan is one of the Stepsisters. We so believe the lies that our stepsister tells us, day in and day out, that we cannot see our own value and beauty. We believe the magic. When our Prince searches for us, we hide and do not come forward. The Prince never stops looking for us.

While Satan uses spiritual warfare to distance us from God; God uses spiritual warfare to draw us into deeper communication with him. God uses the enemy's attacks to remove the obstacles between ourselves and God, to reestablish our dependency on him as his daughters in a much deeper way. God is so confident in the good that he allows the enemy to carry out his intentions so that we will draw into deeper communion with God.

Chapter 7

2006-10-16T20:01:00.000-07:00

The Beloved

"We come into the world with a longing to be known and a deep seated fear that we aren't what we should be."

Interesting, isn't it? I would imagine for most of us, fairly accurate as well. Many times, my relationship with the Lord suffers because of my identity crisis. I'm not what I should be...so I assume God won't approve or love me as much as I need. Biblically, I know this to be false. But unfortunately, I compare my relationship to God with my relationships here on earth. I've failed friends....and friends have failed me. God, however, doesn't look at me as a failure...and His love never fails.

"If God is Pursuer, the Ageless Romancer, the Lover, then there has to be a Beloved, one who is the Pursued. This is our role in the story."

Can you allow yourself to be the Beloved? The Pursued?

Chapter 6

2006-10-16T19:49:00.000-07:00

God the Ageless Romancer

"This is, in fact, how many professing Christians end up living: as practical agnostics. Perhaps God will come through, perhaps he won't, so I'll be hanged if I'll live as though he had to come through. I'll hedge my bets and if he does show up, so much the better."

As a Christian, have you come to look at God this way?

Act I - His Eternal Heart
Act II - His Heart Betrayed
Act III - His Heart of Trial

"I remember the devotion of your youth, how as a bride you loved me... What fault did you find in me that you strayed so far from me?....I have loved you with everlasting love; I have drawn you with lovingkindess. What have I done to make you hate me so much?" From Jerimiah

God is romancing you. Will you listen?

Chapter 5

2006-10-09T19:21:00.000-07:00

The Wildness of God

"Should we keep our hearts open to the Romance or concentrate on protecting ourselves from the Arrows? Should we live in hopeful abandon, trusting in a larger story whose ending is good or should we live in our small stories and glean what we can from the Romance while trying to avoid the arrows?"

This was an interesting chapter for me. I grew up in church and have been a Christian my entire life. As a teenager, and even a young adult, it was much easier for me to open my heart to the Romance. Then....life happened. I became a wife, a mother, a career woman....all of a sudden, I had all these responsbilties and I couldn't "hear" the Romance calling to me. Hurts happened, fears were realized and it became easier for me to dodge the Arrows then to trust in the Romance. I learned to limit the Romance so the Arrows wouldn't hurt me.

Do you live a smaller story than the Romance wants just to keep the Arrows at bay?

Brunch - October 14th

2006-10-08T12:10:00.000-07:00

Our next get together is coming up! We will be having a brunch on Saturday, October 14th at 1oam. We will be meeting at Sonta Wilburn's home. Please RSVP to Mindee if you are planning to attend.

I hope everyone will be able to make it!

Chapter 4

2006-10-02T13:09:00.000-07:00

A Story Big Enough to Live In

We are called by God to do noble things. That is the Sacred Romance. We are part of a much bigger story. All of the arrows that have pierced us, all of the choices and decisions we've made because of these arrows have a purpose. It is all part of the story and who we are. Our lives make sense - all parts - the good and the bad.

The deepest convictions of our heart are formed by stories and reside there in the images and emotions of a story. Our heart is made to live in a larger story; having lost that we do the best we can by developing our own smaller dramas. According to the part of the story God has allowed us to see, the Haunting we sense is his calling us forth on a journey. The resurrection of our heart requires that the Sacred Romance be true and that is what the Scriptures tell us.

Monique:
I love a good story, in all forms. I love hearing one from another person, reading one, watching a movie with a good story or listening to one on audio. I love hearing my kids tell me stories about their day. Any good story.

To read that I am part of a bigger story is exciting and a bit frightening. What if I don't know my lines or what I am supposed to do or say? What if I say the wrong thing? As I read this chapter, I realized that I am fortunate. I have God on my side and he is going to let my little drama be a part of the much larger story and these little things will be lost in the main story.

John talked about how Brent did not have someone in his life to interpret his story for him when he was a young boy. Did you or do you now have an interpreter to help you with your story?

I had many interpreters. My mom and dad, my brother, my three sisters and some amazing youth pastors. As I was reading this chapter, I kept thinking about my brother. He was my hero and still is in many ways. He was so tall (6'4"), intelligent and strong. I thought he could do anything. He did everything he set his mind to. He set track records that stood for 24 years. If he did it, I wanted to do it also. Unfortunately, I am over a foot shorter, not as athletic, not as intelligent and definitely not as strong. But, Don's influence and interpretation of my life story is one of the greatest gifts in my life. His love for God and his willingness to go with God on the journey is real and it is my privilege to witness it.

God has asked us to go on a journey of the heart with him so we can resurrect the Sacred Romance.

Chapter 3

2006-10-02T12:43:00.001-07:00

Message of the Arrows

There are only two things that pierce the human heart: beauty and affliction. And while we wish there were only beauty in the world, each of us has known enough pain to raise serious doubts about the world we live in.

Romance has an enemy.

Monique:
I tend to focus on the positive and let go of the hurts and painful things. It is my natural reaction to have you give me the "bad" first so I can cushion it with the "good". Reading that the Romance was pushed to the back by the painful arrows was hard. I now can see that, like Brent, I just pierced the arrow all the way through and let the Romance die. I realize that pushing out the pain doesn't make it any less painful. I am going to find the place that speaks to my heart and I'm going to meet God there!

Chapter 2

2006-09-24T20:43:00.000-07:00

An Unknown Romancing

Each of us has a geography where the Romance first spoke to us. It is usually the place we both long to see again and fear returning to for fear our memories will be stolen from us. (14)

My childhood backyard was a real special place for me. I was the youngest of three girls....and my sisters were 8 and 10 years older than me. Because of the age difference, I spent a lot of time in my backyard playing by myself. It was my imaginary "whatever". However, I also remember it was my place of solitude as well. I often spent time in the corner of the backyard just sitting, listening, watching the sky, and thinking. To this day, I couldn't tell you what exactly I thought about....but I knew God was there and He loved me.

My parents still live in that same house I grew up in. The backyard....well, it doesn't seem the same. Apparently, the 'magic' is lost after many years. But...I never give up an opportunity to be back there alone just in case.

Indeed, if we reflect back on the journey of our heart, the Romance has most often come to us in the form of two deep desires: the longing for adventure that requires something of us, and the desire for intimacy--to have someone truly know us for ourselves, while at the same time inviting us to know them in the naked and discovering way lovers come to know each other on the marriage bed. (19)

What does the Romance mean to you?

Chapter 1

2006-09-24T20:17:00.000-07:00

The Lost Life of the Heart

"The voice often comes in the middle of the night or the early hours of the morning, when our hearts are most unedited and vulnerable. At first, we mistake the source of this voice and assume it is just our imagination. We fluff up our pillow, roll over, and go back to sleep. Days, weeks, even months go by and the voice speaks to us again: Aren't you thirsty? Listen to your heart. There is something missing." (1)

Have you ever woke in the middle of the night....when you know you should be exhausted....and could not get back to sleep? This happened to me about three weeks ago....around the time I started this book. It was really interesting to me because, for probably the first time in my life, I didn't just think it was insomnia. I listened. I have been busy for weeks....for months. And I was sleeping sound....then all of a sudden I was awake. Jesus had made a date with my heart at 3am.

It is true...a life without heart is not worth living. However, we often have our heart broke, we lose heart, and when we grow tired our heart is just not in it any more.

For what shall we do when we wake one day to find we have lost touch with our heart and with it the very refuge where God's presence resides? (5)

The Christian life is a love affair of the heart. It cannot be lived primarily as a set of principles or ethics. It cannot be managed with steps and programs. It cannot be lived exclusively as a moral code leaading to righteousness. (8)

The truth of the gospel is intended to free us to love God and others with our whole heart. (8)

**Have you lost touch with your heart?

Starbucks - September 17th

2006-09-12T12:50:00.000-07:00

Sunday night...September 17th is our first gathering! Mark the date! We will meet at the Starbucks at 135th & Blackbob at 7pm for some great fellowship, fantastic coffee and a lot of laughs!

See you there!

Fall 2006 Get Togethers

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Sunday, September 17th @ 7pm
Kick-off Fellowship
Starbucks @ 135th & Blackbob

Saturday, October 14th @10am
Brunch
Sonta Wilburn's House

Friday, November 17th @ 6:30pm
Girls' Night Out
Location to be Determined

Fall 2006 Reading Schedule

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Week of....

September 17th.........................Chapters 1 & 2
September 24th.........................Chapters 3 & 4
October 1st.................................Chapter 5
October 8th................................Chapters 6 & 7
October 15th..............................Chapter 8
October 22nd.............................Chapter 9
October 29th..............................Chapters 10 & 11
November 5th............................Chapter 12 & Epilogue

Fall 2006 Book Selection

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"The Sacred Romance: Drawing Closer to the Heart of God" By Brent Curtis & John Eldredge

"From childhood on, something or Someone has called us on a journey of the heart. It is a journey full of intimacy, adventure, and beauty—but like any fairy tale it is also fraught with more than a little danger. To ignore this whispered call is to become one of the living dead who carry on their lives divorced from their most intimate selves, their heart. The Sacred Romance calls to us in our fondest memories, our greatest loves, our noblest achievements, even our deepest hurts. The reward is worth the risk. God Himself longs for us, if we are but willing…"

What We Are

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Welcome to Olathe Life Fellowship Women's Career Life! We are a book club for working women!

Do you desire to be part of a women's ministry but can't find the time in your schedule to devote to a weekly meeting? WCL is for you! Our book club is a web based format with a few "get togethers" in between!